Daksha, his eyes blazing red with anger, uttered a terrible curse upon the sage Narada. As a result of this curse, all of Narada’s descendants were destroyed, leaving him without offspring. Meanwhile, from the noble lineage of sages, Śakti gave birth to the illustrious Parāśara, a master of all knowledge and foremost among ascetics. Parāśara, in turn, became the father of the incomparable Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana, who is also known as Vyāsa, the revered compiler of the Vedas. Descending to earth with a portion of his own divine essence, Vyāsa fulfilled his purpose and ultimately attained the highest spiritual state. In that same lineage, the steadfast Kīrtimatī, devoted to her vows, became the mother of Yoga itself. Now, let us turn to the royal lineage descending from Kaśyapa. Listen attentively to the story of the children born to Saṃjñā, the queen, as well as to Prabhā and Chāyā. Saṃjñā gave birth to Yama, the god of death, and Yamunā, the sacred river, as well as Raivata. She also bore Śani, the planet Saturn, Tapatī, and Viṣṭi, each in their proper order. Among her descendants were Ikṣvāku, Nabhaga, Dhṛṣṭa, Śaryāti, and Pṛṣadhra—nine sons in all, each as mighty as Indra himself. Saṃjñā, at one time, went to the abode of Budha and was united with him, Budha being the illustrious son of Soma, the Moon. Budha, it is said, is the one who satisfies the ancestors. From this union, Ilā was born, who herself had three sons before once again returning to her womanly form. All of these renowned offspring, unparalleled in their virtues, approached Brahmā, the lotus-born creator. Of a hundred sons, the eldest and fifteen others continued the noble line. From Suyodhana came the illustrious Pṛthu, and from Pṛthu was born Viśvaka. The mighty Yuvanāśva, journeying to the sacred place of Gokarṇa, sought to know by what actions one might obtain a righteous son. The answer was clear: by worshipping that primordial Lord Kṛṣṇa, the one without beginning or end, one obtains a virtuous son. By offering devotion to Hṛṣīkeśa, one is blessed with a righteous child. By worshipping the great yogi, the eternal Vāsudeva—who established the great city of Śrāvastī in the land of Gauḍa—one attains the fulfillment of their desires. It was by such devotion that Yuvanāśva achieved the status of Dhundhumāra, after slaying the mighty demon Dhundhu. In this lineage were also Dṛḍhāśva, Daṇḍāśva, and Kapilāśva. Haryaśva’s son was Nikumbha, and from Nikumbha came Saṃhatāśvaka. Yuvanāśva, son of Raṇāśva, was renowned for his strength in battle, equal even to Indra. Māndhātṛ, the wise and mighty, was the best among all bearers of arms, and Mucukunda, of virtuous soul, was also famed for his prowess, equal to Indra in battle. Harita was the son of Yuvanāśva, and his son was Hārita. Saṃbhūti was born in the sacred river Narmadā, the son of Hārita. Bṛhadaśva was the son of Anaraṇya, and Haryaśva was his son. By divine grace, Haryaśva obtained a righteous son devoted to the Sun, who was none other than Tridhanvan, an incomparable subduer of enemies. Tridhanvan was devoted to study, generous in giving, patient, and always intent on righteousness. The gods, led by Vasiṣṭha and Kaśyapa, with Indra at their head, attended Tridhanvan’s great sacrifice. When the sacrifice was duly completed, he honored Vasiṣṭha and the other foremost Brahmins with great respect. Now, O wise ones, consider this: among sacrifice, austerity, and renunciation, which is truly the highest?