Once, the lordly sage Vasiṣṭha—her husband—had already considered that prince, Saṃvaraṇa, upon the earth. In matters of giving, the wise never speak of bestowing someone when another is truly desired; so, with humility, Vasiṣṭha asked forgiveness for any prior hesitation. Perceiving that Tapatī, the radiant daughter of the Sun, wished for Saṃvaraṇa, Vasiṣṭha joyfully spoke: “That very Saṃvaraṇa, son of Ṛkṣa, is now coming to my hermitage.” When Saṃvaraṇa arrived, he saw Vasiṣṭha and, with deep reverence, bowed before the sage. Then his gaze fell upon Tapatī, whose brilliance captivated him. With wonder, he asked, “O best of the twice-born, who is this lady?” At this, Varuṇi, who was present, replied to the king, “At your request, I approached the Sun. He granted his daughter, and I have brought her here to your hermitage.” Hearing these words, the delighted king took Tapatī’s hand in marriage, performing the proper rites. Tapatī, now queen, rejoiced in the splendor of Saṃvaraṇa’s palaces, delighting in them as the daughter of the Daityas once delighted in mighty Indra’s heaven. In time, a son was born to them. From his very birth, he was consecrated with sacred rites and nourished with clarified butter, just as fire is kindled and fed. At the age of nine, he underwent the sacred rite of initiation and became thoroughly learned in the Vedas and scriptures. This son, famed upon the earth as Puruṣottama, was known as Kuru, the illustrious child of Saṃvaraṇa. As Kuru grew, he sought to arrange a noble marriage. For Kuru’s sake, a bride was requested and given, and he was united with the slender-waisted Paulomī. Their happiness together was like that of Maghavan (Indra) with his beloved consort. Recognizing Kuru’s virtues, he was anointed king with all prescribed rites. As ruler, he protected the earth and its people as a devoted father cares for his children. He was the guardian of all, a mighty protector of his subjects. As long as his fame endured, he was honored even among the gods. Desiring to spread his glory, King Kuru journeyed across the entire earth. When he had achieved great renown, he turned his mind inward and sought spiritual fulfillment. He approached Sarasvatī, the daughter of Brahmā, born of the Plakṣa tree, whose tongue is dear to Hari. The blessed goddess stood on the riverbank, washed by countless sacred fords. Kuru then visited the northern altar of Brahmā, approaching it from all directions, for it extended five yojanas. This altar, situated to the north, is known by all the learned as “the northern altar.” There, Śaṃbhu, lord of the gods and protector of the worlds, had performed sacrifices. To the south lies Virajā, the altar that bestows endless fruits, while the Samantapañcaka is also renowned as the supreme, imperishable northern altar. King Kuru resolved, “I shall act and cultivate all desires as you wish.” To achieve lasting fame, this bull among kings created the unparalleled Pauṇḍraka Yāmyamahiṣa, preparing himself to plough it. As he made his preparations, someone asked him, “O king, what is it that you are preparing to do here?” Again, the question was posed: “O king, what is it that you are preparing to do here?” Kuru replied, “I cultivate purity, charity, yoga, and celibacy.” Suddenly, having attained the eightfold yoga, he laughed and departed from there. The king then ploughed the surrounding land for seven krośas on all sides. Thereafter, the great eightfold dharma was declared by the king. He called out, “Give the land; I will cause the furrow to be made—let you plough the field.” Upon seeing an outstretched arm, I swiftly struck it with my discus. Even though the king’s left arm was offered and cut off, it was indeed by my own doing.