In ancient times, the names Candana, Udaka, and Dundubhi were renowned, and from Abhijit, who had once been childless, was born Punarvasu. Abhijit, eager for a son and urged by the sages, performed the great ashvamedha sacrifice. Amidst the assembly, Punarvasu arose—though blind, he was learned, righteous, and generous in his offerings. Punarvasu had twin children, Vasu and Arijita, as well as Ahuka and Ahuki, whose wisdom was celebrated. Among them, verses of extraordinary character were recited, extolling the leaders of troops and protectors of ranks. The Bhojas, with ten thousand thundering chariots, were neither speakers of falsehood nor sacrificers, nor givers of thousands. None were impure or ignorant, and none surpassed the Bhojas; thus, the lineage of the Ahukas was honored. Ahuka gave his sister Ahuki in marriage in Avanti, and Ahuka’s daughter bore two sons: Devaka and Ugrasena, both born of divine wombs. Devaka’s sons, resembling the gods, were Devavan, Upadeva, Sudeva, and Devarakshita. Their seven sisters—Devaki, Shrutadeva, Yashoda, Shrutishrava, Shrideva, Upadeva, and Surupa—were given in marriage to Vasudeva. Ugrasena had nine sons, with Kamsa as the eldest, followed by Nyagrodha, Sunama, Kanka, Shanku, and Subhu. Rashtrapala, Baddhamushti, and Samushtika were others, and their five sisters included Kamsa, Kamsavati, Surabhi, Rashtrapali, and Kanka, all distinguished women. Thus, Ugrasena and his children were described as descended from Kukura. Bhajamana’s son was Viduratha, chief of charioteers, and Viduratha fathered Rajadhideva and Shura. Rajadhideva had two heroic sons, Shonashva and Shvetavahana, devoted to the warrior’s vow. Shonashva had five sons, all skilled in battle: Shami, Rajasharma, Nimurtta, Shatrujit, and Shuchi. Shami’s son was Pratikshatra; Pratikshatra’s son was Bhoja; Hridhika was his son, and Hridhika had ten sons of mighty valor. Among them, Krtavarman was the eldest, and also Shatadhanvan, Devārha, Subhānu, and Bhīṣaṇa of great strength—Ajāta, Vijāta, Karaka, and Karandhama. Devārha’s learned son, Kambalabarhisha, was born, followed by Asamaujā and Samaujā. Ajāta’s son had two sons, both named Samaujas, and Samauja had three sons: Sudamsha, Suvamsha, and Krishna, all renowned and supremely righteous. It is said that whoever recites this lineage of the Andhakas continually attains a vast lineage and progeny himself. Kroṣṭu had two wives, Gandhari and Madri. Gandhari bore Sunitra, who was affectionate to friends, and Madri bore Yudhajit, then Devamidhusha, as well as Anamitra and Shini—five sons marked by distinction. Anamitra’s son was Nighna, and Nighna had two sons: Prasena, of great valor, and Shaktisena. Among them, Prasena possessed Syamantaka, a peerless jewel proclaimed as king among all jewels on earth. Wearing it upon his heart, Prasena shone, and Sauri requested the supreme jewel from him for the sake of the kingdom. Yet, even though powerful, Govinda did not obtain it, nor did he seize it. One day, Prasena, adorned with the jewel, went out hunting. In a cave, he heard a sound made by some creature; entering, he encountered a bear. Prasena and the bear fought fiercely, each desiring victory. After killing Prasena, the bear took the jewel. When Govinda heard of Prasena’s death, suspicion arose. Satrajit, his brother, and the Yadavas accused Govinda: “Surely Govinda has killed Prasena for the sake of the jewel.” Prasena, having gone to the forest adorned with the jewel, was struck down for refusing to relinquish it, and thus, everywhere, the rumor spread, started by Satrajit, that Kesava was an enemy. After a long time, Govinda went out hunting again and, by chance, came near the entrance of a cave. As before, the mighty king of bears made a sound. Hearing it, Govinda, sword in hand, entered and saw Jambavan, the great and powerful king of bears. Hrishikesha swiftly approached the bear with great speed, his eyes reddened by anger, and seized Jambavan. Seeing Vishnu thus, in his divine form and deeds, the king of bears quickly praised him with a hymn to Vishnu. The Blessed Lord, being pleased, offered him a boon.