In the sacred lineage of sages, Bhṛgu is recognized as the tenth, and from him arose Ugra, who is esteemed as the highest among them. In the fourteenth place stands Gautama, the head of the Vedas, and beyond him, the succession continues. Following in order are the revered Jaṭāmālī, Aṭṭahāsa, Dāruka, and Lāṅgalī. After them come Sahiṣṇu, Somaśarman, and, finally, Nakulīśa, the lord, who is considered the last in this illustrious line. At the holy place known as Kāyāvatāra, the Lord of the gods himself is worshipped as Nakulīśvara. Each of these great teachers had disciples who became eminent sages in their own right. Now, let me recount, in order, those foremost yogis who were most proficient in the practice and knowledge of yoga. Among them were Vikeśa, Viśoka, Viśāpa, and Śāpanāśana. Then came Sana, Sanātana, Mukāra, and Sanandana. The line continues with Sudhāmā, Virajā, and also Śaṅkhapātraja. Following them are the wise Kapila, Asuri, Voḍhu, and the sage Pañcaśikha. The tradition was further enriched by Balabandhu, Nirāmitra, Ketuśṛṅga, and Tapodhana. Sarvajña, Samabuddhi, Sādhya, and Satya also became renowned. Atri, Ugra, Śravaṇa, and Śraviṣṭhaka are remembered, as are Kashyapa, Ushanas, Cyavana, and Brihaspati. The illustrious Vachashravas, Supika, Shyavashva, and Sapathishvara followed, along with Sumantu, the wise Varcari, Kabandha, and Kushikandhara. Bhallapi, Madhu-pinga, Shvetaketu, and the ascetic Taponidhi, as well as Shalihotra, Agniveshya, Yuvanashva, and Sharadvasu, are all honored in this lineage. Uluka, Vidyuta, Shadvala, and Ashvalayana, together with Kushika, Garga, Mitraka, and Rishya, are also counted among these pure souls. All these sages were supremely dedicated to Brahman, ever intent on knowledge and yoga. By the command of the lords of yoga, they worked for the establishment of the Veda. Those who honor and worship these venerable sages attain the knowledge of Brahman. In the future, there will be a Savarni and also Daksha Savarni; the fourteenth Manu is called Bhautya. These future Manus will arise in due order. Enriched by stories of the past, future, and present, one who hears and understands these becomes freed from all sins and rejoices together with Brahma. With devotion, bowing to Nārāyaṇa, the supreme person, to the ancient being, to Viṣṇu in his form as the tortoise, the narration continues. The expanse of this universe and the determination of the Manvantaras have thus been described, always to be revered by those devoted to knowledge and yoga. This is the knowledge by which the supreme is perceived, knowledge that is concerned solely with Brahman. Having attained all knowledge, the sages respectfully ask again about the true nature of reality. At this point, Sūta, the reciter of the Purāṇas, recollected himself and began to speak. He came to the place where the best of sages were assembled for a great sacrificial session. The foremost among the twice-born bowed to Vyāsa, whose eyes are like lotus petals. After circumambulating the revered teacher, he stood nearby with joined palms. The assembled sages prepared a seat for him, one that was suitable and worthy, and offered it with great respect. They inquired after his well-being, asking if there had been any decline in his austerity, study, or learning.