In the ancient and illustrious Ikṣvāku lineage, there was a prince named Asamañja, who, though worthy of upholding the family’s noble traditions, was expelled by his own father. Yet from Asamañja was born a valorous son, Aṃśumān, who carried forward the line’s honor. Aṃśumān’s son was the righteous and renowned Dilīpa, and from Dilīpa came the mighty and heroic Bhagīratha. It was Bhagīratha, through great penance and sacrifice, who brought forth the divine river Gaṅgā, adorned with celestial chariots. By his devotion, Gaṅgā was drawn down from the heavens and, through his sacred rites, she was conceived as a daughter from the ocean. Thus, the wise and learned recite that Bhagīratha’s deeds earned him everlasting fame, for Gaṅgā is called Bhāgīrathī in honor of him. Bhagīratha’s son was named Śruta, and Śruta’s heir was Nābhāga, a king ever devoted to righteousness. From Nābhāga was born Ambarīṣa, and from Ambarīṣa came Sindhudvīpa. Thus, the sages and those versed in ancient lore sing of this noble succession. By the strength and virtue of Nābhāga and Ambarīṣa, the earth was well protected and freed from the threefold sufferings. Sindhudvīpa’s son was the valorous Ayutāyu, and Ayutāyu’s heir was Ṛtuparṇa, famed throughout the world. Ṛtuparṇa was renowned as the friend of King Nala, mighty and wise in the secrets of divine dice and the hearts of men. The two Nalas—one, son of Vīrasena, the other, foremost among the Ikṣvākus—were famed in ancient texts for their steadfastness and vows. Ṛtuparṇa’s son became a great sovereign, fulfilling the desires of his people. This son was Sudāsa, a king whose face was said to shine like a swan’s. Sudāsa’s son, Saudāsa, became a mighty ruler, also known as Kalmāṣapāda and Mitrasaha. Through the power of the great sage Vasiṣṭha, who was full of brilliance, a son named Aśmaka was begotten in Kalmāṣapāda’s field, ensuring the growth of the Ikṣvāku line. Aśmaka’s son was Urakāma, and Urakāma’s son was Mūlaka. Of King Mūlaka, a tale is told: out of fear of Rāma, he dwelt surrounded by women, seeking protection and even donning women’s armor, unclothed, to escape danger. Mūlaka’s son was the righteous King Śataratha, and from him came the powerful King Vaiḍiviḍa, celebrated for his prowess. To Vaiḍiviḍa was born Viśvamahat, son of Putrīka. His son was Dilīpa, known as Khaṭvāṅga, who descended from heaven to earth, living but a moment, yet by wisdom and truth, uniting the three worlds. Khaṭvāṅga’s son was Dīrghabāhu, from whom the illustrious Raghū was born. Aja was Raghū’s son, and Aja’s son was the mighty Daśaratha, delight of the Ikṣvāku dynasty. From Daśaratha was born Rāma, the heroic and righteous, famed across the world. Rāma’s brothers were Bharata, Lakṣmaṇa, and the mighty Śatrughna. Śatrughna, after vanquishing Mādhava and Lavaṇa, journeyed to Madhuvana and there established the city of Mathurā. Together with Subāhu and Śūrasena, Śatrughna ruled over Mathurā, the city of Vaidehī’s sons. Lakṣmaṇa’s sons, Aṅgada and Candraketu, each ruled prosperous lands near the Himavat mountains. Aṅgada founded the city of Aṅgadī in the Kārapatha region, while Candraketu established Candravaktā, the splendid city of the Mallas. Bharata’s heroic sons, Takṣa and Puṣkara, held their kingdoms in Gandhāra. Takṣa’s city, Takṣaśilā, was famed in all directions for its beauty, and Puṣkara’s city, Puṣkarāvatī, was equally renowned. Those who know the ancient traditions sing of Rāma’s virtues and greatness. He was dark-complexioned, youthful, with red eyes and a radiant face. Sparing in speech, his arms reached down to his knees, his countenance was handsome, his shoulders like a lion’s, and his might unmatched. Rāma ruled his kingdom for ten thousand years. The sounds of the Rig, Sama, and Yajur Vedas, along with the twang of the bowstring, resounded mightily throughout his reign. There was never any interruption in the land; his rule was marked by generosity and enjoyment, and he fulfilled the tasks of the gods while dwelling in Janasthana. That illustrious prince, seeking Sītā, slew the transgressor Paulastya. Endowed with virtue and brilliance, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, outshone even the sun and fire. After vanquishing Rāvaṇa and his followers, the mighty-armed delight of the Ikṣvāku line ascended to heaven. To Rāma were born two sons: Kusha and Lava, both of great valor. Kusha’s kingdom was Kosala, and he established the delightful city of Kushasthali on the slopes of the Vindhya mountains. In northern Kosala, Lava ruled the kingdom of Śrāvastī, renowned throughout the world. Kusha’s lineage continued with his righteous son Atithi, a most welcome guest. Atithi’s famous son was King Nishadha. Nishadha’s son was Nala, who fathered Nabha. Nabha’s son was Pundarika, from whom came Kshemadhanvan. Kshemadhanvan’s son was the powerful king Devanika, and Devanika’s son was the lordly Ahinagu. Ahinagu’s heir was the illustrious Pariyatra; his son was Dala, and from Dala was born King Bala. Bala’s righteous son was named Aunko, whose son was Vajranabha, and Vajranabha’s son was Shankhana. Thus, the noble line of Ikṣvāku continued, shining ever brightly through the ages.