Aurva, the illustrious Bhārgava sage and master of sacred mantras, was approached for a boon to grant offspring. With words that brought delight to Keśinī and Sumati, he addressed them kindly, “For the sake of progeny, O highly fortunate ones, choose whatever you desire.” Keśinī, seeking to continue her lineage, requested a single son. Thus, her son was born and named Samañja. As Samañja grew, the Sagaras—his kin—became possessed of wicked intentions upon seeing him. Samañja, however, pondered deeply on the prescribed rites for sons, even those considered condemned, following the rules as laid down. Just as fire is kindled by smiths through the mere touch of iron, so too was his mind set ablaze with contemplation. Despite this, Samañja was learned in the scriptures, virtuous, and devoted to righteousness and the welfare of his ancestors. Yet, as is often the case for those engaged in sacred observances, obstacles arose before him. Turning away from the gods, he indulged himself in worldly enjoyments. The very oceans, compelled by the power of the Kacagraha, came to serve him. The Sagaras became devoted to drinking wine, adorning themselves in pleasure. Together with their companions, these powerful and exceedingly sinful ones began to uproot the yodruma trees. They deliberated deeply, seeking the means for their own destruction. Disguising themselves in hidden forms, they approached Kapila, lord of the gods and lords. Bowing low and prostrating themselves like trees, the gods praised him, offering salutations to Viṣṇu, concealed in human form, the victorious one—he who is the bridge preserving dharma at the very edge of the blazing forest of worldly existence. They pleaded, “Save us, who have sought your refuge, from these oceans that torment us. These very beings trouble all the worlds; there is no hope for happiness here. Let all the gods know him in every realm as one who delights in sinful pleasures. The divine must quickly destroy him; there should be no more delay.” Having bowed to Kapila, the gods returned to heaven. Meanwhile, Samañja undertook the supreme horse-sacrifice. Kapila, in his wisdom, placed Samañja in the netherworld, where he himself resides. The Sagaras, astonished, began to search all the worlds, starting with the earth. Each one separately dug up the entire surface of the earth, a yojana at a time. Through this opening, all the sons of Sagara entered the netherworld. There, intoxicated and bewildered, they searched for the sacrificial horse. Near Kapila, who was deep in meditation, they found it. Their minds agitated and intent on violence, they rushed forward, saying among themselves, “Let us seize him quickly and keep it secret. There are spies and villains in the world who create great disturbance.” But Kapila, controlling all his senses and established firmly within himself, was fully aware of their actions. The Sagaras struck him with their feet, while others seized the earth itself. Kapila, with profound emotion, addressed those who were causing trouble in the world, remarking that discernment does not arise in those deluded by arrogance. “Having consumed that, humans burn—what is so astonishing about it?” he declared, his words charged with the gravity of the moment.