Veṇuhotra’s lineage continued with his illustrious son, Gārgya. From Gārgya came Gargabhūmi, and Vatsa, whose wise son was Vātsya. From these two branches, there arose sons who were both Brahmins and Kshatriyas, renowned for their righteousness, valor, and might—courageous as lions, they shone among men. Thus have the descendants of the Kāśyapas been recounted. Now, listen to the tale of Raji. Raji was a mighty Kshatriya, whose five hundred powerful sons on earth formed the formidable Rājeya line—a dynasty so fearsome that even Indra, king of the gods, was struck with awe. In those days, a terrible war broke out between the gods and the demons. Both sides, seeking victory, approached the Grandsire Brahmā and asked, “O Lord of all worlds, tell us: in the battle between us, who will be victorious? We wish to know.” Brahmā replied, “Whichever side the mighty Rajī supports in battle—without doubt, they will conquer the three worlds. Where Rajī is, there is fortune; where fortune is, there is steadfastness; where steadfastness is, there is righteousness; and where righteousness is, there is victory.” Hearing of Rajī’s power, both gods and demons sought his favor. They approached him, hearts gladdened, and requested, “Take up your excellent bow for our victory, O king.” Rajī answered, “I shall defeat the gods, led by Indra, in battle; then, being righteous, I shall become Indra and fight in the war.” The demons declared, “Prahlāda is our Indra; for his sake, we seek victory. Remain with us, O king, and not with Aditi’s son.” Rajī agreed, saying, “So be it.” Yet the gods, too, entreated him, promising, “After victory, you will become Indra.” Thus urged by both sides, Rajī entered the fray. He struck down all the demons before Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, restoring to the gods their lost splendor and supreme fortune. Having vanquished the demons, the mighty Rajī addressed Indra and the gods. Indra then proclaimed, “I am Rajī’s son.” He continued, “You are Indra, king of the gods, without doubt; since I am your son, O slayer of foes, I will attain fame.” Hearing Indra’s words, Rajī was beguiled by illusion and replied, pleased, “So be it.” When Rajī, who was equal to the gods, ascended to heaven, his sons seized Indra’s share of the inheritance and his position. These hundreds of sons, and the very seat of Śacī’s lord, entered the heavenly world in many ways, taking up the realm of the gods. After a long time, the mighty Indra, bereft of his kingdom and share, approached Bṛhaspati and pleaded, “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 Rajī’s sons; be gracious to me.” Bṛhaspati replied, “O Śakra, had you come to me before, I would not have done what should not be done for your sake, O sinless one. But now, for your benefit, I shall act so that you may soon regain your share and kingdom. Let your mind not be troubled.” With that, Bṛhaspati performed a great act to increase Indra’s power. Using his wisdom, he sowed confusion in the minds of Rajī’s sons. Deluded and unrighteous due to passion, they became haters of Brahman, losing their strength and valor. Thus, Indra regained the lordship of the gods and his excellent station as Indra. Having destroyed all the king’s sons, who were devoted to desire and anger, it is said that whoever hears this pure account of the station and restoration of Śatakratu (Indra), or of the king, will not encounter misfortune. Now, let us turn to another tale. 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 sacrifices to Marutsoma, the mighty one. Pleased by his devotion, the Maruts, delighted through Marutsoma, granted him inexhaustible food and all desired enjoyments. The food cooked once for him in a day and night never diminished, even if given away by the millions from sunrise onward. From the union of Mitrājyoti, the maiden, and the wise Marut, were born sons of great strength, knowers of dharma, and seers of liberation. Renouncing household duties, they established themselves in detachment; attaining the discipline of ascetics, they reached the state of Brahman. From them was born Anapāya, a giver of dharma; from him arose the kṣatriya duty, and from that, Pratipakṣa, the great ascetic. Pratipakṣa’s son was the renowned Sañjaya; Sañjaya’s son was Jaya, and from him was born Vijaya. Vijaya’s son was Jaya, whose son was Haryandva; from Haryandva came King Sahadeva, possessed of great prowess. Sahadeva’s righteous son was the famed Adīna; Adīna’s son was Jayasena, and his son was Saṃkṛti. Saṃkṛti’s son was also righteous—Kṛtadharma, of great fame. These are the kṣatriya lineages of Nahuṣa—know them well. Nahuṣa had six heirs, all equal in splendor to Indra, born of the noble Virajā, daughter of his own father. They were Yati, Yayāti, Saṃyāti, Āyāti, and two named Tudvaya. Among them, Yati was the eldest, and Yayāti was next in line.