With deep reverence, the king bowed his head to Rudra, reciting the sacred Sāvitrī prayer. He offered salutations to Rudra, who is composed of the three Vedas, the very form of time, and the cause of all creation. Rudra then spoke: “Hear these secret names of mine, O sinless one. O king, always offer salutations to me with these names, remaining pure in heart and mind. Recite them with unwavering focus, your heart absorbed in me. Whoever recites the names of Rudra until death attains the supreme state.” Blessed by Rudra, the king was granted a lifespan of one hundred years. Then, in a moment, Rudra vanished, leaving behind a sense of wonder. The king, covered in sacred ashes after bathing thrice, remained peaceful and composed. In time, the practice of yoga arose within him, guiding him toward the supreme essence of time. From there, he journeyed to the radiant circle of the sun, approaching the Great Lord. Freed from all sins, he was honored in the world of Brahma. His lineage continued through his learned son, Trayyaruṇa. Trayyaruṇa’s wife, Satyadhanā, gave birth to Hariścandra. Harita was the son of Rohita, and Dhundhu was Harita’s son. Vijaya’s son was Kāruka, a man of great strength, and Sagara, a king of supreme righteousness, was Kāruka’s son. Through their worship, the sage Aurva granted them an excellent boon. Prabhā, the auspicious one, bore sixty thousand sons. From this line came Dilīpa, whose son was 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; his son was Saudāsa, renowned as Kalmāṣapāda. Kalmāṣapāda begot Aśmaka, the banner of the Ikṣvāku line. This 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 Dīrghabāhu came Raghu. Rāma, son of Daśaratha, famed throughout the world and knower of righteousness, was born in this illustrious line. Viṣṇu, the creator of the universe, incarnated in part for the destruction of Rāvaṇa. Sītā, renowned in all three worlds and endowed with virtue and generosity, was born. Janaka, her father, gave Sītā in marriage to Rāma, who had taken her as his wife. For the destruction of enemies, Janaka also gave the wondrous bow. O best of twice-born, the destroyer of foes was proclaimed throughout the world: whether god or demon, he who wins Sītā is worthy. Rāma went forth and, with ease, broke the bow and took it up. Supremely righteous, Rāma was like Kārttikeya with his army. Daśaratha began to install Rāma, his eldest heroic son, as king.