From the union of Divodasa and Rishadvati, a heroic son named Pratardana was born. Even while Pratardana was still a boy, their kingdom faced renewed attack. At that time, the great king brought an end to the enmity. Pratardana himself had two famous sons: Vatsa and Garga. Vatsa’s son was Alarka, and Sannati was also his son. Concerning Alarka, the royal sage composed two ancient verses, declaring that Alarka, the best among the Kashi, retained his youthful appearance for sixty thousand and sixty hundred years. By the grace of Lopamudra, Alarka attained the highest span of life. When the curse upon him ended, this mighty-armed king slew the demon Kṣemakara and made the delightful city of Varanasi his home. Sannati too had a righteous heir named Sunitha, whose own heir was Suketu, equally righteous. Suketu’s son was Dharmaketu, and Dharmaketu’s heir was Satyaketu, a mighty charioteer. Satyaketu’s son was Vibhu, lord of the people, whose own son was Suvibhu; from Suvibhu came Sukumara. Sukumara’s son was Dhṛṣṭaketu, renowned for righteousness, and his heir was Veṇuhotra, lord of the people. Veṇuhotra’s son was the renowned Gārgya; Gārgya’s son was Gargabhūmi, and Vātsya was the wise son of Vatsa. From Gargabhūmi and Vātsya were born sons who were both Brahmins and Kshatriyas—exceedingly righteous, valiant, powerful, and as courageous as lions. Thus, the Kāśyapas have been described. Now, hear of Raji. Raji had five hundred mighty sons upon the earth, and this Kshatriya line, known as Rājeya, struck fear even in Indra, king of the gods. When a fierce battle broke out between the gods and the demons, both sides approached the Grandsire, Brahma, and asked, “O Lord of all worlds, tell us: in battle between us, who will be the victor? We wish to hear.” Brahma replied, “Those for whose sake the mighty Raji takes up arms and fights in battle—without doubt, they will conquer the three worlds. Where Raji is, there is fortune; where fortune is, there is steadfastness; where steadfastness is, there is righteousness; where righteousness is, there is victory.” Upon hearing of Raji’s power, all the gods and demons approached him, desiring success, and praised the best of kings. Their hearts gladdened, they said, “For our victory, take up your excellent bow.” Raji declared, “I will defeat the gods, led by Indra, in battle; then, being righteous, I shall become Indra and fight in the war.” The demons replied, “Prahlāda is our Indra; for his sake we seek victory. At this time, O king, remain on our side, not with Aditi’s son.” Raji agreed, saying, “So be it,” and the gods too invited him, promising, “You will become Indra after victory.” Raji struck down all the demons before the wielder of the thunderbolt, Indra, restoring the supreme splendor lost by the gods. Having slain all the demons, the mighty Raji spoke; then Indra, together with the gods, addressed Raji, declaring, “I am Raji’s son.” Indra continued, “You are Indra, king of the gods, without doubt. Since I am your son, O slayer of foes, I will attain fame.” But hearing these words, Raji was deceived by Indra’s illusion. Pleased, he replied, “So be it.” When Raji, equal to the gods, ascended to heaven, his sons took from Indra his share of the inheritance and his position. Those hundreds of sons, and the seat of Śacī’s lord, entered in many ways into the heavenly world, the realm of the gods. After a long time, the mighty Indra, deprived of his kingdom and share, spoke to Bṛhaspati, “Prepare for me an offering the size of a jujube fruit, O Brahmarṣi, so that, nourished by its energy, I may endure. O Brahman, I am emaciated, dispirited, deprived of my kingdom and food, my strength destroyed, weak and bewildered by Raji’s sons; be gracious to me.” Bṛhaspati replied, “If, O Śakra, you had asked me thus before, for your sake I would not have done what should not be done, O sinless one. O Indra, illustrious one, I will go for the sake of that benefit, so that you may soon regain your share and kingdom. Thus, O Śakra, I shall go; let your mind not be troubled.” Then Bṛhaspati performed a great act to increase Indra’s power. The wise Bṛhaspati caused confusion in the understanding of Raji’s sons, who became deluded and unrighteous due to passion. They turned against Brahman, deprived of strength and valor, and Indra regained the lordship of the gods, reclaiming the excellent station of Indra. Having slain all the sons of the king, who were devoted to desire and anger, it is said that whoever hears this pure account of the station and establishment of Śatakratu, or of the king, does not encounter misfortune. Now, how was the maiden given by the great-souled Marut to the king, and what valor did the noble sons born from Marut’s daughter possess? Desiring food, the lord of the people, month after month for sixty years, offered to Marutsoma, the mighty one. By this act, the Maruts were pleased with him through Marutsoma, and, delighted, they granted him inexhaustible food and all desired enjoyments.