The great sages, in their wisdom, addressed the queen, saying, “Go forth; seven sons will be born to you, but not one among them will be truly auspicious.” With these words, the venerable sages departed, leaving the queen to the course of fate. Time passed, and the beloved queen of the king, still longing for progeny, found herself pregnant. Yet, while she was with child, her husband—the lord of men—passed away from this world. Though his ministers tried to restrain him from his actions, the king did not desist. In his yearning for a son, he offered his own flesh and blood into the sacred fire, and also gave his semen and variegated cows as offerings, as tradition recounts. From the midst of the sacrificial fire, a piece of flesh fell into the water. At that moment, a voice was heard, pleading, “Do not cast me.” But the king, driven by his desire, did not heed the warning and soon died. In due course, the children were born, and their first sound in the world was weeping. These sons were born in the interval between the ages of Uttama and Manu. They delighted in song, dance, and play, bringing some joy to the world despite their inauspicious birth. The lord of the worlds, having gathered them together, restrained and then acted upon the sons of Marut. Now, O sage devoted to austerity, listen to the account of those born in the Raivata period. There was one known as Ripujit, who, despite his fame, had no son. He took the maiden Surati and brought her to his home. Surati, afflicted in body and mind with sorrow, became intent on abandoning her own form. All the ascetics, drawn by her suffering, became attached to her in their minds. Absorbed thus, they beheld her, but soon departed. From the fire, seven sons were born once again. Having restrained these sons, the lord of the worlds again acted upon the hosts of the Maruts. Now, listen as I recount what occurred in the interval of Cākṣuṣa Manu. At the sacred place of the seven Sarasvatis, great austerity was performed. The woman, also seeking the riverbank, began to disturb the sage in his penance. In his agitation, the sage Maṅkaṇaka cursed her, declaring, “A horse will destroy you at the sacrificial assembly.” From the seven Sarasvatis, seven Maruts were indeed born. Hearing of their birth brings the destruction of sin and the arising of great righteousness. In this time, Prahāda was the giver of mantras, and Śukra served as the family priest. All the assemblies gathered, eager to witness these events. The king asked all the noble-born elders, “What, indeed, is most beneficial for me?” The elders replied that whatever action is most auspicious for him, and likewise for their welfare, should be done. Thus, the mighty Hiraṇyakaśipu became Indra, sovereign over the three worlds. Yet, before the very eyes of the lords of the Dānavas, he was torn apart by the nails. For their sake, O mighty-armed one, all revered Śaṅkara, the trident-wielder. Kujambha too was struck down by Viṣṇu before their very eyes, like a beast. Virocana, your own father, was slain—let this be known. Undeterred, preparations were made by gathering all the great Asuras. Foot soldiers and others set forth to battle with the gods. In the midst of this mighty army stood Bali and Kālanemi, leading at the front, ready for the great conflict that was to come.