In days long past, during the fierce battle at Adibaka, there was a king known as Kakutstha. From his illustrious line came Prithuroma, who, in honor of his ancestor, also bore the name Kakutstha. Prithu's son was Vrishadasva, a mighty warrior, and from Vrishadasva was born Andhra, famed for his valor. Andhra's line continued with Yavana, Ashva, and Shravastha, each a son of renown. Shravastha, known as King Shravasthaka, founded the celebrated city of Shravasti. His heir was Brihadasva, whose fame spread far and wide. From Brihadasva was born Kubala, a king of great might. It was this Kubala who achieved a remarkable feat—he slew the dreadful Dhundhu and thus earned the title Dhundhumara, the destroyer of Dhundhu. Hearing of this legendary act, the assembled sages spoke with reverence: “O greatly wise one, tell us in detail of Dhundhu’s slaying, and why Kubalāśva came to be known as Dhundhumara.” Sūta, the storyteller, replied: “Brihadasva was blessed with twenty-one thousand sons, all learned, powerful, and unconquerable. They were righteous, performed sacrifices, and gave generously, but among them Kubalāśva shone brightest—valiant, heroic, and supremely virtuous. Recognizing his worth, Brihadasva installed Kubalāśva as king, relinquished his royal fortune, and withdrew to the forest to pursue austerities. As the noble Brihadasva prepared to depart, the Brahmarṣi Uttanka approached him. ‘O king,’ Uttanka implored, ‘before you leave, grant me your protection. I cannot practice my austerities in peace. Near my hermitage, in the flat desert lands, lies a sea of sand. Beneath it dwells a great being, immense in size and strength, invulnerable even to the gods. This is Dhundhu, the fierce son of Manu, whose terrible penances threaten to destroy the worlds. ‘Each year, when Dhundhu exhales, the earth and its forests tremble. His breath lifts a cloud of dust that veils the sun, and for seven days the earth quakes. Flames, sparks, and smoke rise up, making the land terrifying. Because of this, I cannot remain in my hermitage. O mighty-armed king, for the welfare of the worlds, restrain him. Your energy, like that of Viṣṇu, will overcome his power. When Dhundhu is slain, peace will return. Only a hero like you can accomplish this, for Viṣṇu himself granted me a boon that Dhundhu cannot be destroyed by lesser strength. Not even in a hundred years could he be burned away—his might is such that even the gods cannot withstand him.’ Hearing these words from the great-souled Uttanka, Brihadasva turned to his son. ‘I have renounced weapons,’ he said, ‘but let my son go. O best of Brahmins, Kubalāśva will surely become the slayer of Dhundhu.’ Having instructed his son, the king set off to the mountains to undertake austerities, his vow firmly declared. Kubalāśva, steadfast in righteousness, accepted his father’s command. With his twenty-one thousand sons and the sage Uttanka, the king set out to confront Dhundhu. At Uttanka’s request and for the welfare of the worlds, the blessed Viṣṇu entered Kubalāśva, filling him with divine radiance. As they departed, a mighty sound arose in the heavens: ‘From this day forward, this king shall be known as Dhundhumāra!’ The gods showered him with wondrous flowers as the lion among men, mighty and resolute, set out with his sons. Filled with the energy of Nārāyaṇa, Kubalāśva began to dig into the endless ocean of sand. Empowered and guided by Uttanka, his sons joined him, excavating the sand where Dhundhu lay concealed. There, in the western direction, they encountered the enraged Dhundhu, his fiery breath threatening to overturn the worlds. Through yogic power, Kubalāśva perceived the sound of rushing water, as tumultuous as the rising ocean. But in the ensuing battle, all his sons save three were consumed by the Rakshasa’s fire. Undeterred, Kubalāśva, of immense strength, destroyed Dhundhu’s kin. He drank the surging water and, through yogic might, subdued the fire with water, as only a true yogi could. With his great strength, he cast down the water-demon and, his task accomplished, presented the vanquished Dhundhu to Uttanka. In gratitude, Uttanka bestowed a boon upon the noble king: inexhaustible wealth, invincibility against his foes, and unending delight in righteousness. He also granted Kubalāśva eternal residence in heaven and, for his sons slain by the Rakshasa, everlasting worlds in heaven. Of Kubalāśva’s sons, three survived: the eldest, Dṛḍhāśva, and his younger brothers, Bhadrāśva and Kapilāśva. Dṛḍhāśva, known also as Dhundhumāri, fathered Haryaśva, whose son was Nikumbha, ever devoted to the warrior’s path. From Nikumbha came Saṃhatāśva, renowned for his skill in battle, and Saṃhatāśva’s sons were Kṛśāśva and Akṣayāśva. Saṃhatāśva’s wife was Hemavatī, celebrated throughout the three worlds for her steadfast virtue and wisdom. Their son was Prasenajit, continuing the illustrious line of kings.