He who accomplished the work of the gods and destroyed all the Dānavas—even those whom mighty Śakra himself could not vanquish—was established in heaven by Śakra, gaining undying glory. It is said that from Mādravatī were born the divine Aśvins. Nakula and Sahadeva, famed for their beauty, strength, and virtue, also came forth, while Rohinī, also known as Pauravī, was the beloved wife of Anakadundubhi. To Rohinī were born sons renowned for their prowess: Ceṣṭa, Rāma, Sāraṇa who delighted in battle, Durdhara, Damana, Piṇḍāraka, and Mahāhanu. Then, Māyā, who would become Devakī on the night of the new moon, bore the mighty-armed one who was formerly the Lord of Creatures. His younger sister, Kṛṣṇā—known as Subhadrā, auspicious in speech—was also born, along with Vijaya, Rocamāna, Vardhamāna, and Devala. All these noble souls were born from Upadevī, while Bṛhaddevī gave birth to the great-souled Agāvaha and also to Mandaka. Devakī bore her seventh son, Remaṃta. Gaveṣaṇa, ever fortunate and undefeated in battle, once wandered the forest for pleasure with Śrutadevī. From a Vaiśya woman, Śauri begot Kauśika, the eldest, and the queen Śrutaṃdharā accepted Sauragandha. A strong son named Kapila was born to Vasudeva, and among men, Dhanurddhara was the first to be born, bringing joy. Saubhadra and Abhava, both mighty, were also born, as was Prastāva, the son of Devabhāga, known as Budha. First among them was Paṇḍita, then Bāhu, and the excellent Devaśravas. From the Ikṣvāku line, his wife was the renowned Manasvinī. From Śraddhā was born Nivṛttaśatru, also called Śatrughna. To Gaṇḍūṣā, Kṛṣṇa, being pleased, gave a hundred offspring, among whom was Candra, greatly fortunate and mighty, as well as Rantipāla and Ranti, the sons of Nandana. Four valiant sons were born to Śamīka: Viraja, Dhanu, Vyoma, and Sṛṃjaya. Vyoma had no offspring, but Sṛṃjaya's son was Dhanaṃjaya, who became the sovereign of the Bhojas and attained the status of a royal sage. Whoever recites or hears the glorious birth of Kṛṣṇa is freed from all sins. Then, the god Mahādeva, who was formerly Kṛṣṇa, the Lord of Creatures, was also born among men for the sake of divine sport. In Devakī, through the austerity of Vasudeva, was born the lotus-eyed one, of divine form, with four arms—a refuge for all beings. When Vasudeva beheld the Lord, marked with the auspicious Śrīvatsa and bearing the marks of the gods, he humbly said, “Withdraw this form, O Lord. I am afraid of Kaṃsa, for he has slain my six eldest and mightiest sons.” Hearing Vasudeva’s words, Acyuta withdrew his divine form. With Vasudeva’s permission, Śauri took the child to the house of Nandagopa and entrusted him, saying, “Let him be protected.” Thus, all auspiciousness would come to the Yadavas. This child of Devakī would destroy Kaṃsa, and until then, the earth would find supreme relief from its burden. When the great battle of the Kauravas assembled all the kṣatriyas, he would slay the wicked kings. This very Lord would become Arjuna’s charioteer, and after ridding the earth of kṣatriyas, would enjoy its peace at the end. He would lead the entire Yadu clan to the world of the gods. At this, Bhīṣma inquired, “Who is this Vasudeva, and who is the illustrious Devakī? Who is Nandagopa, and who is the great-vowed Yaśodā, who raised Viṣṇu and whom he addressed as mother? Who bore him, and who raised him?” Pulastya replied, “The man was Kaśyapa, and she is remembered as his beloved Aditi. Kaśyapa is a portion of Brahmā, and Aditi is of the earth. Nanda is known as Droṇa, and Yaśodā became the earth incarnate. The mighty-armed one fulfilled Devakī’s wishes, those long cherished in her heart.” Soon, that great god entered a human body, deluding all beings, arriving by his own yoga. When dharma and sacrifice declined, Viṣṇu, the mighty one, was born in the Vṛṣṇi clan to restore righteousness and destroy the asuras. Among his consorts were Rukmiṇī, Satyabhāmā, Satyā, Nāgnijitī, Sumitrā, Śaibyā, Gāndhārī, Lakṣmaṇā, Subhīmā, Mādrī, Kauśalyā, and Vijayā—altogether, sixteen thousand goddesses. Rukmiṇī bore sons skilled in all the arts: Cārudeṣṇa, heroic in battle; mighty Pradyumna; Suchāru; Cārubhadra; Sadaśva; Hrasva; the seventh, Cārugupta; Cārubhadra; and Cāruka. From Satyabhāmā were born Charuhasa, Kanistha, Kanya, the lovely Charumati, Bhanu, Bhimaratha, and Kshana, as well as Rohita, radiant Tamrabandha, Jalandhama, and four younger sisters. Thus, the divine births and deeds of Kṛṣṇa and his kin brought glory and deliverance to the world, and their stories, when recited or heard, wash away all sins.