As the search for the sacrificial horse led them onward, the sons of Sagara came upon Kapila, seated in deep meditation. There, near the sage, they found the lost horse. Their minds agitated and filled with violent intent, they rushed forward, determined to kill, whispering among themselves, “Let us quickly seize him and keep this secret.” They spoke warily, aware that spies and mischief-makers were everywhere, always ready to stir up trouble in the world. But Kapila, master of his senses and firmly established in his own self, remained unmoved. Though absorbed in meditation, he was fully aware of their actions. In their frenzy, some of them struck him with their feet, while others clawed at the earth itself. Seeing their reckless behavior and the chaos they brought, Kapila spoke to those who disturbed the world, his words filled with deep emotion. He declared, “Those deluded by arrogance are bereft of discernment. Humans, consumed by their own ignorance, destroy themselves—what is so surprising about that? Just as river currents uproot the trees along their banks, so too do ignorance and prosperity often arise together. How strange it is that even the datura plant, simply because of its name, can intoxicate; just as wind is the friend of fire, and poison is the friend of the serpent. If one sees what is truly harmful, he sees it indeed—there can be no doubt.” As Kapila spoke these words, a fire of unimaginable power burst forth, instantly reducing even the mighty oceans to ashes. Witnessing this destruction, the sons of Sagara were overwhelmed by grief, believing that the end of the world had come prematurely. Terrified, they fled and plunged into the ocean, for the wrath of the virtuous is truly unbearable. At that moment, a divine messenger appeared and said, “All that has transpired is known to the Yakṣas.” With great delight, he proclaimed, “The wicked have been disciplined by fate. He who acts unrighteously is regarded as his own enemy. Know such a person as the greatest foe; this is the teaching of the scriptures. Indeed, the death of the wicked brings joy and renewed enthusiasm to the virtuous.” In the aftermath, the Lord made his grandson Aṃśumant his son, and once again appointed the wise Sāra to bring him forth. Coming before Kapila, Aṃśumant and the others bowed down in full prostration before the sage, radiant as a mass of brilliance. Kapila then addressed the eternal Lord of the gods, whose mind was calm and tranquil. He spoke of the nature of the virtuous: “The virtuous are ever devoted to helping others and are rooted in forgiveness. Just as the moon does not withdraw its light from the house of a chandala, so too does the good person not withhold their grace. The moon, even as it is consumed by the gods, bestows supreme satisfaction; in the same way, a good person brings fragrance to all.” They recognized Kapila as the Supreme Person, born to rule the worlds, and offered salutations to him, whose nature was devoted to Brahman and intent on meditation upon Brahman. Pleased with their devotion, Kapila said, “Choose a boon, O sinless one, for I am pleased with you.” Aṃśumant replied, “Lead our ancestors to the world of Brahman.” Kapila answered, “By bringing the sacred Ganga, your grandson will guide your ancestors to heaven. He will purify them of their sins and lead them to the supreme state.” Aṃśumant then returned to his grandfather and reported all that had happened. Through austerities and the worship of Vishnu, he attained the sinless state of Hari. In time, Bhagiratha was born from his line, and it was Bhagiratha who, through great penance, brought the holy Ganga down from heaven, thus fulfilling the promise and redeeming the ancestors.