Salutations were offered to the Primeval Person, the Ancient One, the Teacher of yogis. Then, that exalted being spoke, saying, “Choose a boon, O auspicious one, for I am the giver of boons.” In response, the devotee requested, “May my lifespan be extended by another hundred years, with a little more beyond that.” Pleased with this request, the Lord touched him gently with his hands and, in that very moment, vanished from sight. The seeker, now at peace, followed a disciplined life—bathing three times daily and sustaining himself on roots, bulbs, and fruits. In the radiant orb of the sun, a great yogi appeared. Brahmā, the self-born, without beginning or end, beheld this and was filled with wonder. In a single instant, he saw that supreme Lord, the very person himself. He beheld Hara, whose form was both male and female, shining with the cool radiance of the moon. The Lord was clothed in red garments, his body tinged with red, adorned with red garlands and fragrant red ointments. Bowing his head in reverence to Rudra, Brahmā recited the Sāvitrī prayer: “Salutations to Rudra, who is the essence of the three Vedas, the very form of time, the cause of all.” The Lord then spoke: “Hear these secret names of mine, O sinless one. O king, always offer salutations to me with these names, remaining pure. Recite them with unwavering mind, your heart absorbed in me, O king. Whoever recites Rudra’s names until the end of life attains the supreme state.” Pleased, Rudra once again granted the king a lifespan of one hundred years. Then, in a moment, Rudra vanished, leaving all who witnessed it filled with wonder. The devotee, his body covered in sacred ashes, continued his thrice-daily baths, remaining peaceful and composed. In time, the practice of yoga arose within him, leading him ever closer to the supreme essence of time. From there, he journeyed to the radiant circle of the sun, to the presence of the Great Lord. Freed from all sins, he was honored in the world of Brahma. His son was the learned sage Trayyaruṇa. Trayyaruṇa’s wife, Satyadhanā, gave birth to Hariścandra. Harita was the son of Rohita, and Dhundhu was Harita’s son. To Vijaya was born a son named Kāruka, a man of great strength, and Sagara was Kāruka’s son—a king of supreme righteousness. By their devoted worship, the sage Aurva granted them an excellent boon. Prabhā, the auspicious consort, then bore sixty thousand sons. Sagara’s son was Dilīpa, and from Dilīpa was born the illustrious Bhagīratha. By the grace of the wise Lord of gods, the great god, Bhagīratha bore Gaṅgā upon his head, adorned with the crescent moon. Nābhāga’s heir was Sindhudvīpa, whose son was Saudāsa, famed as Kalmāṣapāda. Saudāsa begot Aśmaka, the banner of the Ikṣvāku line. That king, greatly distressed, entered the forest out of fear of Rāma. From him was born the illustrious Bilibili, whose son was Vṛddhaśarmā. Vṛddhaśarmā’s son was Dīrghabāhu, and from him was born Raghu. In this noble line, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, was born—renowned in the world and a knower of righteousness. Viṣṇu himself, the creator of the universe, was born in part as Rāma for the destruction of Rāvaṇa.