When the time came, a wondrous event took place: from his mother’s womb, a child emerged and, astonishingly, seated himself upon the golden seat reserved for the Hotṛ priest—while still within the womb. There, seated in that sacred place, the child began to speak. The sages beheld this marvel and recognized the great sage Kaśyapa in him, recalling the fivefold narrations of the Vedas; thus, they named him accordingly. In those days, Hiranyakashipu became famed for his deeds. His younger brother was Hiranyaksha, and their sister was Simhika, who, joined with Vipracitti, became the mother of Rahu. Hiranyakashipu, the mighty Daitya, undertook severe austerities for a hundred thousand years—standing on his head, fasting, and practicing rigorous penance. Pleased by his devotion, Brahma appeared before Hiranyakashipu and granted him a boon. The Daitya was blessed with a form of immortality among Brahmins and all beings. Through the power of yoga, he overcame the gods and assumed supremacy over all the deities. He then requested, “Let the Dānavas, Asuras, and Devas be made equal; grant me, as a boon, the great power of the wind-god.” Brahma, thus addressed, bestowed the desired boons, granted him divine gifts, and vanished from sight. In the ancient verses, Hiranyakashipu the Daitya became celebrated. Wherever Hiranyakashipu resided, the gods of that region, along with the great sages, would come forth to salute him. Such was the power and majesty of the lord of the Daityas. Yet, long ago, Narasimha—who was none other than Vishnu, and the death of Hiranyakashipu—manifested. By Narasimha’s claws, Hiranyakashipu was torn apart; henceforth, claws have been regarded as pure. Hiranyaksha, Hiranyakashipu’s brother, had five valiant sons: Utkura, Shakuni, Kalanabha, Mahanabha, and Bhutasantapana—each formidable, even to the gods. Their descendants, known as the Badeya clan, multiplied into hundreds of thousands, but they were all slain in the great Tarakamaya war. Hiranyakashipu himself had four mighty sons: Prahlada, the eldest and most famous, Anuhlada, Samhrada, and Hrada. Hrada had two sons—Hrada and Nisunda. Nisunda’s sons were the powerful Sunda and Upasunda. Hrada’s sons included the mighty Brahmaghna and Muka. Maricha, son of Sunda, was born to Tadaka. That very Tadaka was later slain by the mighty Raghava (Rama), and Muka too was killed by the archer among the Kiratas. Through great austerities and self-discipline, thirty million of these beings dwelled at Manivarta. Though invulnerable to the gods, they were ultimately slain by the left-handed archer. Anuhlada’s son was Vayu, and he also had a daughter, Shinivali. Their host, numbering a hundred thousand, became known as the Halahala. Prahlada’s son was Virochana, who had five sons: Gaveshthi, Kalanemi, Jambha, Bashkala, and the youngest, Shambhu. These formed the next generation of Prahlada’s line. Gaveshthi’s sons were Shumbha, Nishumbha, and the energetic Vishvaksena. Jambha’s sons were Shatadundubhi, Daksha, and Khanda. Bashkala’s sons were Virodha, Manu, Vriksayu, and Kushalimukha. Kalanemi’s sons included Brahmajit, Kshatrajit, Devantaka, and Narantaka. Shambhu’s sons were Dhanuka, Asiloma, Nabala, Sagomukha, Gavaksha, and Gomans. Virochana’s own son was Bali, renowned for his might. Bali had a hundred sons, all of whom became kings. Among them, four were the most prominent and valiant: Sahasrabahu (the eldest), Bana (greatly esteemed by the Dravidas), Kumbhanabha, Gardabhaksha, and Kushi. Bali also had two daughters, Shakuni and Putana, and his descendants multiplied into the hundreds and thousands. Bali’s valorous lineage continued through Bāṇa, Candra, and Manas, from whom arose the line of Lauhitya. After losing her children, Diti sought to please her husband, Kaśyapa. When Kaśyapa was appeased and properly honored, he offered her a boon, inviting her to choose her heart’s desire. Diti, with joined palms, addressed her husband: “O Lord, my sons have been slain by your sons, the Ādityas. I wish for a son, born of long austerity, who will be the slayer of Indra. I shall undertake penance, and you should grant me conception.” Hearing her words, the radiant Kaśyapa replied gently to the grieving Diti: “So be it. Remain pure, O treasure of austerity. You shall bear a noble son, a slayer of Indra in battle—if you remain pure for a full hundred years. Then your son will be renowned throughout the three worlds.” Having spoken, the divine sage dwelt with her, and then departed for the three worlds. Overjoyed, Diti journeyed to a suitable forest and began her severe penance. As she performed her austerities, Indra—the thousand-eyed, best of gods—served her with utmost care. He provided her with fire, sacrificial grass, wood, fruit, roots, and all she required. Indra massaged her and relieved her fatigue, attending to Diti at all times and in every place. Thus honored, Diti spoke to Indra, her heart moved by his service.