The valiant sons of Devaka were born, each one possessing a radiance and prowess that rivaled the gods themselves. Alongside these noble sons, Devaka had seven daughters, and he gave all of them in marriage to Vasudeva. Of these daughters, Devakī stood foremost, renowned for her beauty and grace. From this illustrious lineage, Subhūmī, Rāṣṭrapāla, Tuṣṭimān, and Śaṅkura were born. In due course, Śūra was born, and from Śūra came Śamista, who fathered Pratikṣatra. Among Śūra’s sons was the wise Vasudeva, and it was to Vasudeva that the greatest destinies were attached. To Vasudeva and Devakī was born Hari—Kṛṣṇa himself—longed for and entreated by the gods. Vasudeva’s wife also gave birth to Saṃkarṣaṇa, known as Rāma, the eldest son and mighty wielder of the plough. This lord Halāyudha, Saṃkarṣaṇa, was verily Śeṣa incarnate. Mādhava, another name for Kṛṣṇa, was born both from Devakī and from Rohiṇī, by a divine arrangement. By Vasudeva’s design, a son was also born to Yaśodā. Yet, before these divine births could flourish, the cruel Kaṃsa killed the children born to Devakī, striving to thwart destiny. Among Vasudeva’s other sons were Ṛjudāsa, Bhadradāsa, and Kīrtimān, the eldest. Rohiṇī gave birth to Rāma, lord of the world, Balabhadra, famed for wielding the plough. Devakī herself gave birth to Kṛṣṇa, whose chest bore the auspicious Śrīvatsa mark. From Devakī came two fierce sons, both mighty and armed with swords. Their progeny multiplied—first in the hundreds, then in the thousands. Among these descendants, Cāruśravā, Cāruyaśas, Pradyumna, and Śaṅkha stood out as the most illustrious. Jāmbavatī, Kṛṣṇa’s wife with a pure and gentle smile, spoke to him with reverence, “O slayer of the Dānavas, grant me a son equal in glory to the lord of the gods.” Kṛṣṇa, the subduer of foes and a treasure of austerity, resolved to undertake severe penance for the sake of granting her wish. He performed intense and arduous austerities, and through his devotion, he obtained Rudra—Śiva himself—as a son. For the sake of this son, Kṛṣṇa undertook terrible penance, the very source of all austerity, awakening the deepest essence of his divine consciousness. Seeking the fulfillment of his vow, Kṛṣṇa journeyed to the hermitage of Upamanyu, the great-souled chief among sages. There he appeared, bearing the conch, discus, and mace in his hands, marked with the sacred Śrīvatsa. The hermitage was a place of sanctity, resounding with the chants of the Vedas. Pure, sweet, and cool lakes adorned the surroundings. Sages, their sons, and assemblies of great ascetics filled the place. Yogis, deep in meditation, sat with their gaze fixed at the tips of their noses. Rivers flowed nearby, and the place was frequented by those who recited and discoursed upon Brahman. The atmosphere was shaped by peace, truthfulness, freedom from sorrow, and unwavering resolve. Ascetics, the wise, and those devoted to celibacy served there unceasingly. The divine Ganga herself flowed through this holy land, washing away all sins. In this sacred setting, Madhava—Kṛṣṇa—worshipped with reverent words and salutations. Those filled with devotion bowed to the supreme teacher of yogis. They spoke among themselves of the unmanifest, the primeval god, the great sage. Then, the supreme god himself, the ancient person beyond beginning, arrived at that place. At first formless, then assuming a form, he came to behold the gathered sages, manifesting his presence among them.