In the ancient days, the earth flourished under the strong and righteous rule of kings Nābhāga and Ambarīṣa. By the might of their arms, they safeguarded the land, freeing it from the threefold miseries that afflict the world. In this noble line, Sindhudvīpa’s valiant son Ayutāyu was born, and to Ayutāyu came Ṛtuparṇa, a wise and greatly renowned king. Ṛtuparṇa, famed as a friend of Nala and endowed with the divine knowledge of dice, was celebrated in ancient tales alongside the steadfast Nalas, both renowned for their unwavering vows. In the illustrious Ikṣvāku lineage, another son of Vīrasena was born to Ṛtuparṇa—Sārvabhauma, lord of the people. His son was Sudāsa, a king whose might was said to rival that of Indra himself. Sudāsa’s son was Saudāsa, who became known by the names Kalmāṣapāda and Mitrasaha. The radiant sage Vasiṣṭha begot a son in the field of Kalmāṣapāda, thus continuing the royal line. This son, Aśmaka, increased the glory of the Ikṣvāku dynasty, and from Aśmaka was born Mūlaka, the son of his chief queen. Out of fear of Rāma, this king Mūlaka sought refuge in the forest, surrounded by women for protection, even donning their armor to safeguard himself. Mūlaka’s righteous son was king Śataratha, and from him came the powerful king Ilavila. Ilavila was a glorious ruler, and his son Vṛddhaśarmā, a mighty man, was born of his father’s daughter. Vṛddhaśarmā’s son was Dilīpa, famed as Khaṭvāṅga, who, having descended from heaven, lived but for a moment on earth. Yet in that brief time, he conquered the three sacred fires and the three worlds through wisdom and truth. His son was Dīrghabāhu, and from Dīrghabāhu was born the illustrious Raghu. Raghu’s son was Aja, and from Aja came the mighty king Daśaratha, the celebrated founder of the Ikṣvāku line. From Daśaratha were born Rāma, knower of righteousness and hero renowned throughout the world, as well as Bharata, Lakṣmaṇa, and the valiant Śatrughna. Among these brothers, Rāma shone foremost, radiant and supremely valorous, the slayer of Rāvaṇa in battle and performer of great sacrifices. Rāma ruled his kingdom for ten thousand years, and his renowned son was Kusha. Lava, too, was born—fortunate, truthful, and wise. From Kusha descended Atithi, and from Atithi, Nishadha. Nishadha’s son was Nala, and from Nala came Nabhas. Nabhas fathered Pundarika, and from Pundarika came Kṣemadhanvan. Kṣemadhanvan’s son was the heroic Devanika; his son was Ahīnara, and from him came Sahasraśva. Shubha and Chandravaloka followed, then Tarapida, whose son was Chandragiri, and from him came Bhānuchandra. Bhānuchandra’s son was Shrutāyu, known as Brihadbala, the illustrious king who fell to Saubhadra in the great Bharata war. These, then, are the principal kings of the Ikṣvāku lineage, remembered as the foremost among their line. All of them studied the sacred knowledge of Pashupati, worshipped the Supreme Lord, and performed sacrifices with proper rites and understanding. Some among them attained heaven; some became liberated yogis. Yet, not all escaped misfortune—Nriga, due to the curse of a Brahmin, was transformed into a chameleon. Among the righteous sons were Dhṛṣṭa, Dhṛṣṭaketu, the mighty Yamabāla, and Ranadhṛṣṭa. Sharyāti’s son was Ānarta, and his daughter was Sukanyā. Ānarta’s son was the illustrious Rocamāna, whose son was Reva, then Raivata. Kakudmi, the eldest among his hundred sons, was also born to this line. Revati, his daughter, became famed as the wife of Rama. Nariṣyanta’s son was Jitātmā, self-controlled and mighty. From Nābhāga came Ambarīṣa, devoted to Vishnu and powerful, whose illustrious son was Ṛta, foremost among those who know dharma. Ṛta’s son was Kṛta, and from him Sudharmā, known as Pṛṣita; the Kārūṣas of Karūṣa were famed for their renown. Yet, Pṛṣita, having harmed a cow, incurred great sin from his teacher and, by a curse, became a Śūdra, known as the son of Cyavana. Nābhāga’s son was Diṣṭa, from whom came Bhalandana; Bhalandana’s valiant son was king Ajavāhana. Thus, the sons of Manu have been described, and now the descendants of Ikṣvāku, beginning with his sons and grandsons, and then of Ela, are recounted. Aila, known as Pururavas, devoted to Rudra and possessed of great prowess, established his kingdom at Tvakantaka, that most sacred land. On the northern bank of the Yamuna, at Prayaga, revered by sages, the illustrious lord of Pratishthana resided, established firmly in his city. He had seven sons, all radiant and renowned among the Gandharvas, devoted to Bhava and of great strength: Ayu, Mayu, Amayu, the mighty Vishvayu, Shrutayu, Shatayu, and the divine sons of Urvashi. Of these, Ayu had five heroic sons of great energy by Prabha, daughter of Svarbhanu. Nahusha was the first among them, righteous and renowned, and Nahusha had six heirs who shone with the splendor of Indra. Born of Viraja, daughter of the Pitrs, were the mighty Yati, Yayati, Samyati, Ayati, and the fifth, Andhaka. Thus unfolded the illustrious lineage, dedicated to dharma, wisdom, and the worship of the Supreme.