As the Kali age dawned, those who harbored hatred toward the divine became deluded, losing sight of the truth. Yet, owing to the power of their previous impressions and the decree of Brahmā, the self-born lord of the worlds, these souls were permitted to return to their former state by the grace of Śaṅkara. Thus, through divine compassion, even those led astray found the path to restoration. Now, let us hear of the lineages born from Dakṣa’s daughters. Dakṣa, the lord of creatures, first created the gods, gandharvas, sages, asuras, and serpents. Then, through righteous union, he brought forth all living beings. From his virtuous daughter, a thousand sons were born. Furthermore, Dakṣa begot sixty daughters with Vairiṇī. Of these, twenty-seven were given to Soma, and four to Ariṣṭanemi. There were also two daughters of Angiras, whose lineages are now described: Saṃkalpā and Muhūrtā, along with Sādhyā and Viśvā. From Viśvā descended the Viśvadevas, and from Sādhyā, the Sādhyas. Bhānu gave rise to the Bhānavas, and Muhūrtā to the Muhūrtajas. From Saṃkalpā was born Saṃkalpa, and ten sons known as the sons of Dharma are remembered. Among the eight Vasus, Pratyūṣa and Prabhāsa are named. Dhruva’s son is the blessed Kāla, the measurer of worlds. Purojava is the son of Anila, whose movements are mysterious. Prabhāsa’s son is Viśvakarman, the great craftsman and Prajāpati. Kadrū and the sage Muni, both wise in dharma, also had sons: Vivasvān, Savitṛ, Pūṣā, Aṃśumān, and Viṣṇu. In the era of Vaivasvata, the Ādityas, sons of Aditi, are renowned. Among the asuras, Hiraṇyakaśipu was the eldest, followed by Hiraṇyākṣa. Witnessing divine boons, Hiraṇyakaśipu praised the gods with many hymns. Yet, afflicted and struck by adversity, the gods sought refuge with the Grandfather, the god of gods—Brahmā. They approached the unchanging, ancient, supreme person, the protector of all worlds, for the welfare of the gods. Brahmā, seated on the lotus, went to the northern shore of the Milk Ocean, where Hari, the Lord, resides. Bowing at Hari’s feet, Brahmā joined his palms and spoke. Hari, the all-pervading, eternal yogi, whose form is the very essence of all the gods, devoted to detachment and sovereignty, beyond passion and stainless, listened. "O infinite Lord," Brahmā said, "you alone are worthy to protect. The Supreme Lord is indeed the protector." Awakened from his yogic sleep, the lotus-eyed Hari arose, clad in yellow garments, the enemy of asuras, and spoke: "Having arrived here, what task do you wish me to accomplish for you?" "O Lord," replied Brahmā, "a demon is oppressing all the gods and sages. You must slay him; you are the protector of all, O embodiment of the universe." For the destruction of this foremost demon, Hari himself created a Man. This being, holding conch, discus, and mace, and bearing Garuḍa as his banner, stood before Hari. The Lord spoke: "By your might, you should quickly come to this place." Thus, that great, unmanifest Man went forth to the great city of the demon, ready to fulfill the divine task.