In ancient times, Kambalabarhi had a son named Rukmakavaca, renowned for his wisdom and skill in battle. It was Rukmakavaca who, with his sharp arrows, vanquished the mighty Kavacins on the battlefield. His prowess earned him supreme wealth, and he became famous for performing the great horse sacrifice, during which he generously bestowed riches upon the Brahmins. As the years passed, Rukmakavaca turned away from the path of slaying warriors and was blessed with five valiant sons: Rukmeṣu, Pṛthurukma, Jyāmagha, Parigha, and Hari. Of these, Parigha and Hari were settled by their father in the region of Videha. Brahmeṣu, supported by Pṛthurukma, became king, while Jyāmagha, forsaking the throne, chose a life of renunciation and dwelt in a hermitage. In the depths of a fearsome forest, Jyāmagha, calm and resolute, was instructed by a Brahmin. Taking up his bow, he set out with his chariot and banner towards the central regions. Alone, he traveled to the banks of the sacred Narmada River in the land of Mekala, journeyed to the Ṛkṣavanta mountains, and entered the land of Śuktiman. Jyāmagha’s wife was Śaibhyā, a woman of remarkable strength. Though the king remained childless, he never took another wife. After achieving victory in battle, Jyāmagha brought back a maiden and addressed Śaibhyā, saying, “She is our daughter-in-law.” Śaibhyā replied with acceptance, “So be it. The son who will be born to you, she shall be his wife.” By the power of her intense austerities, Śaibhyā bore a son named Vidarbha. As time passed and Vidarbha grew, he married the maiden, and together they had two sons, Krathu and Kaushika, both renowned warriors. Later, another son was born—Lomapada, righteous and virtuous. Lomapada’s lineage continued through his son Avastura, and then to Ahrita. Kaushika’s son was Cidi, from whom the royal line of the Caidyas was established. Vidarbha’s son Krathu fathered Kunti, and Kunti’s son was also named Kunti. From him was born the valiant Dhrishta, also called Purodhrishta. Dhrishta’s son was Nirvriti, a righteous man and destroyer of enemies. Nirvriti’s son was Dasharha, famed for his strength and valor. Dasharha’s son was Vyoma, from whom Jīmūta descended. Jīmūta’s son was Vikriti, whose son was Bhīmaratha, and Bhīmaratha’s son was Rathavara. Rathavara was ever generous, steadfast in righteousness, and true to his word. His son was Navaratha, and from him came Dasharatha. The line continued with Ekadasharatha, whose son was Shakuni. Shakuni fathered Karambhaka, a skilled archer, who was succeeded by Devarata. Devarata, the illustrious king, was followed by his son Devakshatra, whose son was Devanā, the joy of the Kshatra line. From Devanā came Madhu, born for the sake of wisdom. Madhu’s lineage included the mighty Manu and his descendants. Among them were Nandana, radiant in splendor, and Mahāpuruvasha. From Puruvasā’s son came Purudvān, the best among men. Purudvān’s son was Purūdvaha of Bhadravati, whose wife was Aikshaki. Their son was Sattva, and from Sattva, endowed with the quality of goodness, came Sāttvata, who increased the family’s fame. Thus, the lineage of the great-souled Jyāmagha flourished, and he, blessed with many descendants, attained union with the wise king Soma. Sūta continued: From the Sāttvata line, Kauśalyā bore a son of great beauty—Bhajina, also called Bhajamāna, and the divine king Devāvṛdha. Andhaka, Sahābhoja, Vṛṣṇi, and a descendant of Yadu were also born, each founding their own lineages. To Bhajamāna, through Śṛñjaya, was born Bāhya, and then Bāhyaka. Śṛñjaya had two sons, both taken by Bāhyaka, whose two wives—sisters—bore him many sons: Nimi, Paṇava, and Vṛṣṇi, the conqueror of enemy cities. Among the external Karyaśṛñjaya, Ayutāyuta, Sāhasra, Śatajid, and Vāmaka were recognized as brahmins. Among the external Kāryyābhagini brahmins, King Devāvṛdha performed supreme austerities, desiring a son endowed with all virtues. Savarṇā, joining herself to this purpose, touched the waters of the river, which thereby became a sage and auspicious for the king. Overwhelmed by her resolve, Savarṇā decided, “I cannot find a woman whose son would be like this. Therefore, today I myself shall become his wife in the vow.” She created her own hand and shaped her disposition as she desired. Becoming a maiden, Sāvitrī spoke the supreme word, and the king sought her as his wife. By him, she conceived—a radiant and noble-minded son. In the ninth month, the river goddess gave birth to a child endowed with all virtues, just as Devāvṛdha had wished. In that lineage, the learned brahmins recited ancient verses, praising the great-souled Devāvṛdha, who was renowned for his virtues, perceiving from afar and from near alike. Babhru was the best among men, and Devāvṛdha was equal to the gods. Sixty-five men and seventy thousand others, who attained immortality, surpassed even Devāvṛdha. He was a sacrificer, a generous lord, a hero devoted to the Brahmins, ever truthful, wise, famed, greatly fortunate, and a mighty chariot-warrior among the Sāttvatas.