The river currents, ever restless, would sometimes topple even the strongest trees along their banks, a reminder of nature’s unpredictable force. In such places, prosperity would flourish, yet ignorance, too, would take root and grow. It is a strange world—just as the datura plant, though sharing a name with more benign herbs, brings intoxication, so too do appearances and names mislead. The wind, for instance, is a friend to fire, fanning its flames, just as poison is a companion to the serpent. One who perceives what is truly harmful cannot fail to recognize it—there is no doubt in this. So it was that a fire, in an instant, reduced even the vast oceans to ashes. Witnessing this calamity, people believed that the end of the world had come before its time, and in their anguish, they cried out, overwhelmed by grief. In desperation, they plunged into the ocean, for the wrath of the virtuous is indeed unbearable. At this moment, a divine messenger appeared and declared, “All that has happened, the Yakṣas know.” With great delight, he added, “The wicked have been disciplined by fate.” For those who act unrighteously are themselves regarded as enemies, and the scriptures affirm that such a person is the highest enemy of all. The death of the wicked, then, becomes a cause for the virtuous to rejoice and renew their enthusiasm. In the aftermath, the Lord chose his grandson, Aṃśumant, as his own son, and once again appointed the wise Sāra to bring him forth. They approached Kapila, the radiant sage, bowing in full prostration before him. Addressing the eternal Lord of gods, whose mind was perfectly tranquil, they spoke with reverence. The truly virtuous, they said, are devoted to helping others and are rooted in forgiveness. Just as the moon does not withdraw its light from the humble dwelling of a chandala, so does goodness shine on all without distinction. Even as the gods consume the moon, it continues to bestow supreme satisfaction to the world. In the same way, a good person spreads fragrance everywhere, benefiting all. They recognized the Supreme Person, acknowledging that he was born to rule the worlds. With heartfelt salutations, they honored him as one whose nature is devoted to Brahman and whose mind is intent on meditation upon Brahman. Pleased with their devotion, the Lord said, “Choose a boon, for I am pleased with you, O sinless one.” Their request was simple and noble: “Lead our ancestors to the world of Brahman.” The Lord replied, “By bringing the Ganga, your grandson will guide your ancestors to heaven. After purifying them of their sins, he will lead them to the supreme state.” Aṃśumant, having received this blessing, returned to his grandfather and reported all that had transpired. Through austerities and devoted worship of Vishnu, he attained the sinless state of Hari. From him was born Bhagiratha, renowned for his singular purpose: to bring the Ganga down from heaven. Bhagiratha devoted himself wholly to this task. When at last he succeeded, he touched the ancestors with the sacred waters of the Ganga, purifying them and leading them to heaven. Bhagiratha’s son was Mitrasaha, whose fame spread throughout all the worlds. By worshipping with drops of Ganga water, the king too was liberated once more. How powerful was this purification, achieved through the bathing with even a few drops of the Ganga! Indeed, hearing and reciting the story of the Ganga itself brings auspiciousness. Mitrasaha ruled the entire earth, caring for his subjects with the affection and guidance of a father. He protected the land as his own father had, never straying from the path of dharma. In his youth, he ruled the earth for thirty-eight thousand years, and at the height of his reign, he entered the well-cleansed assembly hall with his army and ministers, ready to fulfill his kingly duties.