With a tranquil heart and single-minded attention, listen, O descendant of the Sun, to the account of the gods known as the Yāmās, who existed in the era of Svāyambhuva. In those ancient times, the seven great sages—Marīci and the rest—shone forth, along with noble souls such as Āgnīdhra, Āgnibāhu, Saha, and Savana. There were also Jyotiṣmān, Dyutimān, Havya, Medhā, Medhātithi, and Vasu—ten in all, the illustrious sons of Svāyambhuva Manu, who enhanced his lineage and fame. Having completed their destined cycles of creation, these beings attained the highest state, marking the conclusion of the Svāyambhuva era. After this came the era of Svārociṣa. In the Svārociṣa Manvantara, Manu named Svārociṣa had four radiant sons: Nabha, Nabhasya, Prasṛti, and Bhānava, all renowned for their virtue and fame. The seven sages of this era were Datta, Niścyavana, Stamba, Prāṇa, Kaśyapa, Aurva, and Bṛhaspati. The gods of this time were the Tuṣitas, remembered as Hastīndra, Sukṛta, Mūrti, Āpa, Jyotiraya, and Smaya. The seven sons of Vasiṣṭha, known as the progenitors, were also present in this Manvantara. Thus unfolded the second Manvantara, and after it came the third. Now, listen as I describe the auspicious Manvantara of Uttama. In this era, Manu named Uttama begot ten noble sons: Īṣa, Ūrja, Tarja, Śuci, Śukra, Madhu, Mādhava, Nabhasya, Nabha, and the youngest, Saha, who was renowned and increased the family’s fame. The gods of this era were the Bhāvanas, and the seven sages were known as the Ūrjas: Kaukuruṇḍi, Dālbhya, Śaṅga, Pravahaṇa, Śiva, Sita, and Sasmita—each celebrated as a master of yoga. The fourth Manvantara is famed as Tāmasa. Its sages were Kavi, Pṛthu, Agni, Akapi, and Kapi, as well as Jalpadhī and Dhīmān, making up the seven seers of Tāmasa. The Sādhyas were the gods of this era. The ten sons of Tāmasa—Akalmaṣa, Dhanvī, Tapomūla, Tapodhana, Taporati, Tapasya, Tapodyuti, Paraṃtapa, Tapobhāgī, and Tapoyogī—were all devoted to the practice of righteousness and furthered the lineage. Now hear of the fifth Manvantara, that of Raivata. The sages of this era were Devabāhu, Subāhu, Parjanya, and Somapa, along with Hiraṇyaroma and Saptāśva, remembered as the seven seers. The gods were called Ābhūtarajasas, and all was auspicious. Raivata’s ten sons—Aruṇa, the seer of truth, the wealthy Havya, Kapi, Yukta, Nirutsuka, Sattva, Nirmoha, Prakāśaka, and others—were endowed with virtue, heroism, and strength. Among them were Bhṛgu, Sudhāmā, Virajā, Sahiṣṇu, Nāda, and others, all illustrious. In the sixth Manvantara, that of Cākṣuṣa, Vivasvān and Ati are counted among the seven sages. The gods were renowned as the Lekhās. The Ṛbhus and others beginning with Ṛbha, whose origins are in water, were also counted among the celestials. In this era, five origins of the gods are declared. The ten sons of Cākṣuṣa, beginning with Ruru, are also remembered, just as previously mentioned in the lineage of Svāyambhuva. Thus, I have described to you the Cākṣuṣa Manvantara. Now, let me tell you of the seventh, the present era, known as Vaivasvata. The seven great sages of this time are Atri, Vasiṣṭha, Kaśyapa, Gautama, Bharadvāja the yogi, Viśvāmitra the mighty, and Jamadagni. These sages have established the order of righteousness and, upon fulfilling their duties, attain the supreme state. The gods of this era are the Sādhyas, Viśvas, Rudras, Maruts, Vasus, Aśvins, and Ādityas—seven groups of celestials. Vaivasvata Manu’s ten sons, headed by Ikṣvāku, are remembered on earth. In every Manvantara, there are seven great sages who, having established righteousness, proceed to the supreme state. Now, I will tell you of the coming Manvantara of Sāvarṇi. In that era, the sages will be Aśvatthāman, Śaradvān, Kauśika, Gālava, Śatānanda, Kāśyapa, and Rāma. Among the ten sons of Sāvarṇi Manu, beginning with Rauchya, are Dhriti, the strongest; Yavasa, golden; Vashtir, likewise; Carishnu, praiseworthy; Sumati, wealthy; and Shukra, powerful. These are declared as future, and other Manus are also mentioned in the same way. Ruchi, the Prajapati, will have a son named Rauchya, who will become a Manu; likewise, Bhuti’s son, Bhautya, will also become a Manu. After them, Merusāvarṇi, son of Brahma, is remembered as a Manu, as are Rta, Rtadhama, and Vishvaksena. Thus, O king, all these Manus, both past and future, are enumerated, and with them, nearly six thousand yugas have passed. In each interval of these Manus, all beings—moving and unmoving—are created. At the end of a kalpa, when the cycle is complete, all are released along with Brahma. At the end of these thousands of yugas, Brahma and the others perish again and again, but, O twice-born, they have attained and will attain union with Vishnu. It is said that the earth has been enjoyed by many kings in the past. O king, when the earth is left without a ruler, by whose union does she become joined again? For what reason was the earth given this name, and why is she technically called ‘Gau’? O Suta, tell us why she is so well known. In the lineage of Svāyambhuva, there was a Prajapati named Anga. He took as his wife Sudurmukha, the daughter of Mrityu.