From the illustrious lineage of Ikshvaku, Shrutāyu was born, also known as Brihadbala, famed for his valor but ultimately slain by the heroic Saubhadra during the great Bharata war. These and other noble kings, descendants of Ikshvaku, are remembered as the foremost among the royal line, their glory celebrated through the ages. All these monarchs, having mastered the sacred knowledge of Pashupati, devoted themselves to worshipping the Supreme Lord and performed sacrifices with precise understanding and proper rituals. Among them, some attained the heavenly realms, while others, through yogic discipline, achieved liberation. Yet, even among the great, destiny played its part—Nriga, due to a Brahmin’s curse, was transformed into a chameleon. The line continued with Dhṛṣṭa, Dhṛṣṭaketu, the mighty Yamabāla, and Ranadhṛṣṭa, all supremely righteous sons. Sharyāti’s son was Ānarta, and his daughter was the virtuous Sukanyā. Ānarta’s own son was the illustrious Rocamāna, whose son was Reva, followed by Raivata. Among Raivata’s hundred sons, Kakudmi was the eldest, and his daughter Revati became famed as the wife of Rama. Nariṣyanta’s son was the self-controlled and mighty Jitātmā. From Nābhāga was born Ambarīṣa, a devotee of Vishnu and a powerful king. Ambarīṣa’s illustrious son was Ṛta, foremost among those who understood all dharma. Ṛta’s son was Kṛta, and from him came Sudharmā, also known as Pṛṣita. The Kārūṣas of Karūṣa, all famed for their renown, descended from this line. However, Pṛṣita, having wronged a cow, incurred the grave sin of harming his teacher’s property. Because of this curse, he was reborn as a Śūdra, known as the son of Cyavana. Nābhāga’s son was Diṣṭa, followed by Bhalandana, and then the valiant king Ajavāhana. Thus, the sons of Manu have been described in brief, and now the tale of Ikshvaku’s descendants continues, beginning with his sons and grandsons, and then the story of Ela. Among Ela’s line was Aila, known as Pururavas, a devotee of Rudra and a prince of great prowess. He established his kingdom at Tvakantaka, in a land held most sacred. On the northern bank of the Yamuna, at Prayaga—revered by sages—the illustrious lord of Pratishthana resided, ruling from his capital, Pratishthana. Pururavas had seven sons, all radiant with brilliance, celebrated among the Gandharvas, devoted to Bhava, and mighty in strength. Their names were Ayu, Mayu, Amayu, the powerful Vishvayu, Shrutayu, Shatayu, and the divine sons of Urvashi. Ayu, in turn, had five heroic sons of great energy, born of Prabha, daughter of Svarbhanu. Among them, Nahusha was the eldest—righteous and renowned throughout the world. Nahusha fathered six sons, each possessing splendor like Indra himself. From Viraja, daughter of the Pitrs, were born the mighty Yati, Yayati, Samyati, Ayati, Andhaka, and Vijati—all famed for their renown. Yati, the eldest, renounced the world in search of liberation and became one with Brahman. Yayati, the next in line, was renowned for his great strength and valor. Yayati married Devayani, daughter of Ushanas, and also Sharmishtha, the asura maiden and daughter of Vrishaparvan. Devayani bore him Yadu and Turvasu, both virtuous and skilled in wisdom. Sharmishtha bore him Druhyu, Anu, and Puru. To Yayati, the great sage Shukra, pleased by his devotion, gifted a radiant, golden, inexhaustible chariot, yoked to horses swift as thought itself. With this divine chariot, Yayati, carrying his bride, conquered the earth in just six months. He was invincible in battle, unconquerable by gods, demons, or men. Yayati’s devotion to Bhava, his purity of soul, steadfastness in righteousness, and compassion for all beings set him apart as a peerless ruler. He performed many sacrifices, subdued his anger, and extended compassion to all creatures. Among all the Kauravas, Bhavadratha was the foremost. The royal line continued until the eminent king, Janamejaya, and also King Parikshit, both of the line of Puru. In time, the divine chariot was destroyed by the curse of the wise sage Garga, for King Janamejaya had slain Garga’s young son. Janamejaya also harmed Akrura and incurred the sin of killing a Brahmin. Marked by the scent of iron, he wandered, shunned by his people, never finding peace or solace. Afflicted by sorrow, Janamejaya finally sought refuge with the sage Shaunaka, also known as Indreti, famed for his wisdom and noble mind. Indreti guided Janamejaya to perform an ashvamedha sacrifice, with the foremost of Brahmins, to purify himself from sin. Freed from the scent of iron and absolved of his sins, Janamejaya, after his ritual bath, ascended a divine and splendid chariot. From this lineage, Vasu, king of the Cedis, was once cast out, but through the grace of Indra, Brihadratha regained his position. Later, Bhima slew Jarasandha and, out of friendship, gave that excellent chariot to Vasudeva, O joy of the Kurus. At last, Yayati, the mighty descendant of Nahusha, anointed his son Puru as king, thus repaying Puru for his devotion and service. When the Brahmins, led by their chief, wished to anoint the youngest son Puru as king, they spoke these words, continuing the noble tradition of this illustrious line.