After courteously dismissing and honoring his guests, the king turned his attention to Tridhanvan. At this time, the great vital being—the cosmic Person dwelling within the sun—looked upon the earth, which flourished under the fourfold varṇa system. Then, this noble king, pure of heart and intent on righteousness, departed for the forest to undertake supreme austerities. In the solitude of the woods, he lived on roots, tubers, and fruits, sustaining himself with ascetic food and offering worship to the gods. With his mind steady and devoted, he recited the Sāvitrī mantra, invoking the goddess who is the mother of the Vedas. Moved by his devotion, Hiraṇyagarbha—the very soul of the universe—appeared before him. The king, overwhelmed with reverence, bowed at the feet of this radiant being, reciting his name and offering heartfelt praise: “To you of golden form, thousand-eyed creator, I offer my salutations. Salutations to you, embodiment of knowledge, attainable through Sāṃkhya and Yoga. Salutations to the primeval person, the ancient one, teacher of yogis.” Hiraṇyagarbha spoke kindly, “Choose a boon, auspicious one, for I am the giver of boons.” The king replied humbly, “May my lifespan be extended by another hundred years, with a little extra.” Pleased with his devotion, Hiraṇyagarbha touched him with his hands, blessing him, and then vanished from sight. The king continued his ascetic practices, bathing thrice daily, living peacefully on roots, bulbs, and fruits. In the midst of the sun’s radiant orb, a great yogi appeared—Brahmā, the self-born, who has neither beginning nor end. Brahmā was filled with wonder at the sight. In a single moment, he witnessed the supreme Lord—the cosmic Person—manifest before him. He beheld Hara, whose form was both male and female, resplendent as the moon. This divine being wore red garments, was adorned with red garlands and ointments, and shone with a red hue. Bowing his head to Rudra, Brahmā recited the Sāvitrī prayer: “Salutations to Rudra, who is composed of the three Vedas, who is the very form of time, and the cause of all.” Rudra then spoke, “Hear these secret names of mine, O sinless one. O king, always offer salutations to me with these, remaining pure. Recite them with unwavering mind, your heart absorbed in me, O King. Whoever recites Rudra’s names until death attains the supreme state.” Once more, Rudra granted the king a lifespan of one hundred years and, in an instant, vanished, leaving all present in awe. The king, now covered in sacred ashes and peaceful from his thrice-daily bathing, remained calm and composed. In time, the practice of yoga arose within him, drawing him toward the supreme essence of time itself. From there, he journeyed to the radiant circle of the sun, seeking the Great Lord. Freed from all sins, he was honored in the world of Brahma. This noble king’s lineage continued: his son was the learned Trayyaruṇa. Trayyaruṇa’s wife, Satyadhanā, bore a son named Hariścandra. From Rohita came Harita, and from Harita, Dhundhu was born. Vijaya’s son was Kāruka, a man of great strength, and Kāruka’s son was Sagara, a king renowned for his supreme righteousness. By their devotion and worship, the sage Aurva granted them an excellent boon. The auspicious Prabhā bore Sagara sixty thousand sons. Sagara’s son was Dilīpa, and from Dilīpa was born the illustrious Bhagīratha. Thus, the noble lineage continued, shining with virtue and divine favor.