Rama, ever devoted to righteousness, agreed to the words spoken to him, saying, "So be it." With self-control, he departed for the forest, accompanied by his beloved wife, after making a solemn agreement. There, the wise lord Rama dwelled together with his loyal brother Lakshmana. But misfortune struck. In the guise of an ascetic, Ravana abducted Sita and took her away to his own city. Overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, Rama and Lakshmana, the slayers of their enemies, were plunged into deep anguish. In the midst of their despair, a friendship blossomed between Rama, whose deeds were pure, and the valiant monkeys. Among them, Hanuman, the mighty son of the wind-god, became especially dear to Rama. Resolute, Hanuman declared, "I will bring Sita back," and set out on his search. Crossing the ocean, Hanuman reached Lanka, the city of Ravana. There, he found Sita, spotless and pure, surrounded by demonesses. To reassure her, Hanuman spoke of Rama—dark as a blue lotus—and steadfast Lakshmana. For certainty, he gave Sita Rama's ring. Her eyes widened with joy, believing that Rama himself had come. Hanuman assured her, saying, "The mighty-armed Rama will bring you back," and then departed. Returning, Hanuman stood before Rama and Lakshmana, who honored him greatly. Lakshmana, resolute, prepared for battle with the demons. The supremely righteous Rama built a bridge to Lanka and, after a fierce struggle, slew Ravana. With the help of Hanuman, son of the wind-god, Rama brought Sita back safely. Rāghava, in gratitude and devotion, established the liṅga and worshipped it. The Lord himself appeared and visibly granted the highest boon. It was declared that the sins of those burdened with great transgressions would be destroyed. Merely by seeing the liṅga, all faults are removed—there is no doubt about this. The Lord proclaimed that as long as the Setu endures, he would remain there, though concealed. Even by simply remembering the liṅga, the sins of the day are destroyed. There, Rudra, along with his attendants and Nandī, vanished from sight. Rama, resplendent and mighty, was then anointed by Bharata. Through the great Aśvamedha sacrifice, Rama worshipped Śaṅkara, the destroyer of sacrifice. In time, Lava was born—greatly fortunate, wise, and knower of all truths. Nala became king of Niṣadha, and from him was born Nabhas. Nabhas’s son was the heroic and powerful Devānīka. From Devānīka came Candrāvaloka, and his son was Tārāpīḍa. Thus, the lineage has been recounted in summary, foremost among the twice-born. Freed from all sin, he is honored in the world of heaven. He had six sons, each equal in splendor to Indra: Śatāyu, Śrutāyu, and the divine sons of Urvaśī. It is said that these were born from Prabhā, the daughter of Svarbhānu. The heirs of Nahusha, whose brilliance rivaled that of Indra, were also six in number: Yati, Yayati, Samyati, Ayati, Viyati, and Ashvaka. Sharmishtha, the daughter of Vrishaparvan, was an Asuri by birth. Sharmishtha gave birth to Druhyu, Anu, and Puru, thus continuing the noble lineages.