Āgneyī, radiant with immense splendor, gave birth to six illustrious sons from her thighs: Aṅga, Sumanasa, Svāti, Kratu, Aṅgirasa, and Śiva. Among them, Aṅga became the father of Sunītha, who in turn begot Vena. However, Vena’s conduct was unrighteous and gave rise to great anger among the sages. For the welfare of the people, the sages resolved to act. They churned Vena’s right hand, and from this act emerged a mighty king, Vainya, who became renowned as Pṛthu. Pṛthu was born adorned with bow and armor, blazing with extraordinary energy. As a scion of the Kṣatriyas, he protected all the worlds with firm resolve. To celebrate and praise Pṛthu’s virtues, the skilled Sūta and Māgadha were brought forth. This wise and noble king, together with the gods and the assembly of sages, “milked” the earth for grains, ensuring the livelihood of all beings. The ancestors, the Dānavas, the Gandharvas, the Apsarases, all virtuous beings, plants, and even the mountains—each took part in this milking of the earth, drawing forth the sustenance they desired. Thus, with her gifts, Pṛthu sustained the worlds. The sages, eager to hear more, addressed the narrator: “O great-minded one, tell us in detail the story of Pṛthu’s birth and how the earth was once milked by that great soul. Describe how this was done by the gods and Nāgas, by the Brahmarṣis, the Yakṣas, Gandharvas, Apsarases, and all beings in ancient times. Tell us also about the special vessels, the milkers, the milk itself, and the calves chosen by each group. And why did the sages churn Vena’s hand in their anger? Tell us everything.” The narrator replied, “O Brāhmaṇas, I will recount to you the sacred origin of Pṛthu Vainya. Be attentive and devoted. This story is not to be shared with the impure, the sinful, the unworthy, or those without vows. It is heavenly, glorious, life-extending, sacred, and in accord with the Vedas—a secret of the sages, to be heard without envy. Whoever causes this story of Pṛthu’s origin to be heard by mortals, after honoring the Brāhmaṇas, will not grieve for deeds done or left undone. Pṛthu was a protector of dharma, powerful as Atri himself. Aṅga, counted among the progenitors, was born in the lineage of Atri. His son was Vena, who was not righteous. Vena was born to Sunīthā, daughter of Death, and due to his maternal grandfather’s influence, Vena, a descendant of Time, was born. Vena abandoned righteousness, driven by desire and greed, and established a rule devoid of dharma. He transgressed the Vedas and scriptures, becoming devoted to unrighteousness. Under his rule, people ceased reciting the Vedas and performing the sacred vaṣaṭ call. Yet, the gods still partook of soma from sacrifices performed nearby. As destruction approached, Vena made a cruel vow: ‘No one shall perform sacrifices or offer oblations. I alone must be worshipped and honored in all sacrifices by the twice-born; let all offerings be made to me alone.’ The great sages, led by Marīci, addressed Vena, who had crossed all bounds and acted in ways never before seen. They said, ‘We will undertake initiation for hundreds of years; O Vena, do not act unrighteously—this is not the eternal dharma. At your death, you will certainly be reborn as a lord of creatures. You once promised: I will protect the people.’ Thus urged by the sages, Vena replied with arrogance to the Brahmarṣis. But, proud and wicked-minded, Vena laughed and said, ‘Who else is the creator of dharma? Whose words should I heed? Who on earth is equal to me in strength, learning, austerity, and truth? Know me as the great-souled one, lacking nothing. I am the source of all worlds and dharmas; if I wished, I could burn the earth, flood it, create or destroy it—there is no need for further thought.’ When Vena, blinded by pride, would not be restrained by persuasion, the sages’ anger grew fierce. They seized the mighty-armed Vena, who thrashed about like fire, and churned his left arm in their wrath. From this churning, as foretold, there emerged a man who was extremely short and dark-skinned. Frightened, with joined palms and agitated senses, he stood before them. Seeing him thus, the sages said, ‘Sit down.’ This being became the progenitor of the Niṣāda lineage, possessing endless vigor. He also gave rise to the fishermen, all born from Vena’s sin. Others dwelling in the Vindhya mountains—Tumbura, Tuvara, Khasas—those inclined to unrighteousness, also arose from Vena’s sin. Then, still filled with anger, the great sages churned Vena’s right hand as if it were an arani stick. From this act, Pṛthu was born, radiant with the energy of the striking hand. Because he was born from the palm (pāṇi) of Vena, he was named Pṛthu, shining with his own form like blazing fire. He took up the foremost bow called Ajagava, which resounded mightily, and bore arrows and splendid armor for protection. At his birth, all beings rejoiced everywhere, and as the great night passed, Vena departed to heaven. With this wise son born, the royal sage Pṛthu, a tiger among men, rescued his ancestors from hell. Then, rivers and oceans, bringing all kinds of jewels, gathered together and anointed Vainya as king of men, granting him the great royal kingdom and making him a mighty, radiant monarch.