He who acts unrighteously is to be regarded as his own worst enemy, for such a person is considered the highest adversary—this is the clear conclusion of the scriptures. Indeed, when the wicked meet their end, it becomes a cause for the virtuous to rejoice and find renewed enthusiasm. In the lineage of great kings, the Lord made his grandson, Aṃśumant, his own son, and again appointed the wise Sāra with the responsibility of bringing him forth. With deep reverence, they approached the radiant sage Kapila, bowing down in full prostration before him, acknowledging his brilliance. Addressing the eternal Lord of gods, whose mind was ever tranquil, they spoke with humility. The virtuous, they said, are ever devoted to the welfare of others, steadfast in forgiveness. Just as the moon does not withhold its light even from the house of a chandala, and though the gods consume the moon, it continues to bestow supreme satisfaction, so too does a good person bring fragrance and delight to all. "O Supreme Person," they declared, "we know you were born to rule the worlds. Salutations to you, whose nature is ever devoted to Brahman, intent upon meditation on the Supreme." Pleased with their devotion, the Lord said, "Choose a boon, O sinless one, for I am satisfied with you." They replied, "Lead our ancestors to the world of Brahman." The Lord assured them, "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, having reached his grandfather, reported all that had transpired. By performing austerities and worshipping Vishnu, he attained the sinless state of Hari. From him was born Bhagiratha, famed for bringing the Ganga down from heaven. Bhagiratha, with unwavering concentration, focused his mind on this sacred task. Through his devotion, he brought Ganga to earth, and by touching his ancestors with her holy waters, he purified them and led them to the heavenly realms. His son was Mitrasaha, renowned throughout all the worlds. By worshipping with even drops of Ganga, the king was once more liberated from impurity. How was he purified again by bathing with drops of Ganga? It is said that hearing and reciting the story of Ganga brings auspiciousness to all. Mitrasaha enjoyed the entire earth, pleasing his subjects as a father cares for his children. He protected the land just as his own father had, never deviating from dharma. In his youth, he ruled the earth for thirty-eight thousand years. One day, he entered, with his army and ministers, the well-cleansed assembly hall. That righteous king, feeling thirsty, approached the river Reva. After sharing a meal with his ministers, he spent the night there. The next day, he wandered in the forests along the banks of the Narmada, accompanied by his minister. While roaming, with his arrow drawn to his ear, he pursued a black antelope. Suddenly, he came upon a cave where two tigers were engaged in union. The king, a master of the science of archery, readied his bow and set his arrow to confront them. In that moment, the tigress—immense in size, measuring thirty-six yojanas in length—leapt forth. Seeing his beloved struck down, the tiger-demon, his enemy, was consumed with rage. The king, greatly alarmed by these events, gathered his army in the forest. King Sudāsaja, suspecting the deeds of that demon, became increasingly apprehensive, uncertain of what would unfold next.