You must understand that it is by your power that the three worlds have come into being. To Trivikrama, the Lord whose stride knows no measure, all creation owes its existence. Again and again, you descend, reaching even to the very roots of the underworld, pervading all realms. And when the age of the world draws to its close and destruction comes, you will once more enter into me, drawing all existence back into yourself. It was Vishnu, the great one whose strides encompassed all, who bestowed the three worlds to Purandara. At that moment, Brahma, Shakra, the Blessed One, Rudra, the Adityas, and the hosts of Maruts—all the divine beings—looked on in awe. Before their very eyes, Vishnu vanished from sight, his form withdrawn. At this time, Prahlada, the foremost among the Asuras and ever devoted to Vishnu, received instruction from the Lord himself. Vishnu taught Prahlada the sacred method of worship, establishing the enduring path of devotion and the discipline of action. Thus, that supreme person, Vishnu, ever performs the tasks of the gods, upholding the order of the worlds. Among the mighty Asuras, their chief was Bana, radiant and of great strength. Having subjugated the three worlds, Bana began to trouble Vasava, the king of the gods. The gods cried out, “Bana, the great Asura who belongs to you, is oppressing us!” In response, Vishnu burned Bana’s city to ashes with a single effortless arrow. Fleeing, Bana sought refuge with Ishana, the lord of herds, whose hues are blue and red. Emerging from the ruined city, Bana praised the Supreme Lord with devotion. Then, fitting his arrow with the mantra of Ganesha, he prepared for the next act. In these times, Svarbhanu and Vrishaparvan were renowned among the foremost of beings. Among the celestial hosts, there were many of great might, some with numerous heads, and the great serpents beginning with Ananta, born of Kadru, became famous throughout the worlds. From these lineages were born Śukī, Śyenī, Bhāsī, Sugrīvā, Ṛkṣikā, and Śuci. Irā, too, gave birth to all varieties of trees, creepers, vines, and every species of grass. By the will of the divine, the excellent ones gave rise to the hosts of Rakshasas, compelled by anger. Through grace, Śūnīla himself was elevated to become the vehicle of Hari. Out of affection, Śambhu, the compassionate, once appointed him as the charioteer of the Sun. At the end of the Vaivasvata age, those who listen to these tales find their sins destroyed. In these times, the wives of Ariṣṭanemi bore sixteen children. Likewise, the sons of Aṅgiras, sages honored by Brahmā, were born into the world. In every Manvantara, these noble beings are established with similar duties and their own names, maintaining the order of the cosmos. Desiring offspring, Kaśyapa performed great austerities. From his line were born Vatsara and Āsita, both knowers of Brahman and expounders of its truth. From Raibhya came sons who were the best among the illustrious. Sumedhā gave birth to sons known as the Kuṇḍapāyins. Among them, Devala was born, a master of yoga and great austerity, who, by the grace of Parvati’s Lord, attained the highest yoga. O Brahmins, listen as I recount the descendants of Pulastya, who were of human nature. To Pulastya, that royal sage, a king gave his daughter in marriage. Pulastya had four wives, each enhancing the Paulastya lineage. These women were endowed with beauty and charm—hear now of the children they brought forth.