The sages, eager to learn of the cosmic past, addressed Sūta, saying, “Tell us of those ancient times, and also about Vyāsa, the sage of the Dvāpara age. Speak, too, of the descents of the Lord for the sake of righteousness in the Kali age. O Sūta, recount all this for us here, at least in summary.” They wished to hear of the great Manvantaras—the eras ruled by Manus—such as the Uttama, Tāmasa, Raivata, and Ākṣuṣa Manvantaras. Sūta explained, “This present era is the age of Vaivasvata Manu, and within it, the seventh interval is now underway. Now, listen as I recount the lineages of Manus and the great events of their times.” “In the age of Svarocisha Manu, Vipaścit, the destroyer of asuras, became the lord of the gods. The seven great sages of that time were Timira, Charvarī, and five others, who guided the world with their wisdom. Next came the second interval, known as the Uttama Manvantara. There, Sushanti, the subduer of enemies, was lord of the gods. The Vasavartins, five groups of twelve each, were the gods of that era. The seven great sages were Sutapa, Shukra, and others. The Satyas and Sudhiyas, twenty-seven groups in all, were also present. In this age, Manu became a devoted worshipper of Shankara, delighting in the service of Mahadeva. Among the sages, Pivara and six others were renowned. Then, in the next Manvantara, Manu Vasu became the lord of the gods, subduing the asuras. There were fourteen groups of gods, each with fourteen members. The seven sages of the Raivata interval were also present, guiding the world with their knowledge. All these four Manus—Svarocisha, Uttama, Tāmasa, and Raivata—were descendants of Priyavrata. In another age, Manojava became the lord of the gods, and the Mahānubhāvas and Lekhyas, five groups of eight each, served as the divine hosts. The seven auspicious sages included Atināma, Sahiṣṇu, and others. Now, in the seventh Manvantara, the wise Manu presides. Purandara, known as Indra, the destroyer of enemy hosts, is the lord of the gods. The seven great sages of this era are Viśvāmitra, Bharadvāja, and their companions. At this time, all the kings and denizens of heaven are considered portions of Manu, embodying his power and presence. From Prajāpati Ruci, Yajña was born as a portion, manifesting in the Tuṣitā realm among the Tuṣita gods. In the Satyā age, Satya was born—Janārdana himself in the form of truth. In the Haryā age, Hari himself appeared, accompanied by the gods called Haris. That radiant one manifested together with the mind-born gods. In the Vikuṇṭhā age, he was born along with the Vaikuṇṭha gods. Viṣṇu, as Vāmana, was born from Kaśyapa and Aditi. He restored the three worlds, clearing them of obstacles, and entrusted them to Purandara, Indra. Seven Brāhmaṇas protected the people during this time. Because he enters (viś) all things, he is called Viṣṇu. The Lord, Nārāyaṇa, is declared in the Vedas as the inner soul of all beings. He abides in four forms, pervading everything—sometimes with qualities, sometimes beyond all qualities. That which is called Vāsudeva is beyond the guṇas, perfectly pure. In the end, the supreme Vaiṣṇava form destroys all, bringing the cycle to completion.