The ancient sages have declared that Dattatreya, the tranquil and sinless son of Atri, was a great incarnation of Vishnu himself. In the noble lineage of Dattatreya, four illustrious families arose: the Shyamas, Mudgalas, Balarakas, and Gavishthiras—each remembered as mighty branches among men. From the sage Kashyapa were born Narada, Parvata, and Arundhati. Now, O best of the virtuous, listen to the lineage that sprang from Arundhati. Narada, possessing great energy, gave Arundhati in marriage to Vasishtha. Narada himself, due to a curse from a tree, became one of upward-flowing seed. Long ago, during the fierce Tarakamaya battle between gods and demons, the world was struck by a terrible drought. While Indra was preoccupied with the gods, it was Vasishtha, steadfast and wise, who sustained all creatures through his deep austerity. By his compassion and power, Vasishtha caused herbs, roots, fruits, and medicinal plants to flourish again, reviving life on earth. Vasishtha begot Shakti through Arundhati, and Shakti in turn begot Parashara upon Sagarānjanayā. From the union of Kali and Parashara was born Krishna Dvaipayana, the revered sage. Krishna Dvaipayana, also known as Vyasa, begot the virtuous Shuka upon Arani. Shuka, through Pivari, had six sons: Bhurishrava, Prabhu, Shambhu, Krishna, and Gaura as the fifth. There was also a daughter, Kirtimati, renowned as the mother of yoga and steadfast in her vows; she became the wife of Sattvaguha and the mother of Brahmadatta. From Shuka’s line also arose the Shvetas, Krishnas, Gauras, Shyamas, Dhumras, Samulikas, Ushmapas, Darakas, Nilas, and Parasharas—these eight branches of the Parasharas are honored among the great souls. Now, hear further of a birth equal to that of Indra: In the line of Vasishtha, from Kapinjala and the celestial nymph Ghritachi, was born Kushitiya, renowned as Indra-like. From the daughter of Prithu came Vasus, whose son Upamanyu became the progenitor of the Upamanyu lineage. Among Mitra and Varuna, those known as Kundinas, others as Ekarsheyas, and the renowned Vasishtas—these are the branches of the Vasishtas, numbering eleven in all. Thus, the eight mind-born sons of Brahma are famed, brothers of great fortune, whose lineages are firmly established. These sages and their descendants sustain the three worlds, filling them with divine seers. Their sons and grandsons, numbering in the hundreds and thousands, spread across the earth like the rays of the sun. Having heard these sacred accounts, the twice-born listeners questioned the charioteer’s son further: “How did Bhavani arise a second time, and who was she before? Formerly she was Dakshayani—how did Uma come to be born? From Menā, the daughter of the ancestors, the mountain lord begot offspring; who are these ancestors of whom Menā is the mind-born daughter?” They asked further, “Mainaka is the grandson, Uma the granddaughter, and also Ekaparna and Ekapatala. And Ganga, the foremost of rivers, is the eldest among them all. This you have explained, but tell us again in full. There are many ancestors, and others besides; O blessed one, we wish to hear from you of the supreme rite of Shraddha. Whose sons are remembered, and how are their ancestors? How were the ancestors born, whose sons are they, and of what nature?” They continued, “In heaven, some ancestors are even deities among the gods. We wish to hear the supreme origin of the ancestors, and how the Shraddha we offer properly pleases them. For what purpose are they seen there, and what is the cause? Which ancestors dwell in heaven, and which in hell? When we make offerings for the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, each by name, which offerings should be made, and how do they reach the ancestors? How can those in hell receive the fruit of these rites? Who indeed are called ancestors here, and whom should we worship again? We have heard that even the gods worship their sons in heaven. We wish to hear all this in detail, O learned one; you alone are worthy to speak clearly on this matter.” Having heard the earnest questions of the sages, the Sūta, who grasped the true meaning, recounted as he had been asked, the thoughts of the ancient seers: “Listen, and I shall describe according to what I know and have heard: in the different manvantaras, the ancestors are born as the sons of the gods. Among those who have passed and those yet to come, there are elders and juniors in order; those ancestors who were with the gods in previous cycles, and those who exist now—I shall speak of them. The Shraddha rites for these ancestors are performed by humans. In the beginning, Brahma created the gods, but they did not partake of food. Abandoning that, desiring fruit, they created themselves anew. Cursed by Brahma, they became deluded and lost awareness; they knew nothing, and thus the world became bewildered. All of them, bowing humbly, sought the Grandfather’s favor. The Lord spoke to them again for the sake of the worlds: ‘Perform penance for the transgression you have committed; seek knowledge from your own sons, and you will regain wisdom.’ Desiring atonement, they approached their sons with controlled minds and questioned each other according to the proper method. The sons, disciplined in mind, instructed their fathers in many ways about the penances—those born of speech, mind, and action—knowing righteousness. Thus enlightened, the gods joyfully addressed their sons: ‘You are indeed our ancestors, for you have awakened us. What boon of knowledge, righteousness, or desire shall we grant you?’ Then Brahma declared to them: ‘You are speakers of truth; therefore, what you have said shall be so, and not otherwise.