Therefore, one should carefully avoid association, conversation, or even the mere company of those extremely sinful heretics of evil conduct. Such individuals, who engage in forbidden acts, who imitate the ways of cats, who are deceitful, argumentative, or hypocritical, should not be honored—not even with words. Their presence pollutes, and their ways are to be shunned even from afar. These heretics, some of whom are known as naked ascetics, are destroyers of the sacred śrāddha rites. Even by speaking with them, a person loses the merit accumulated for that day. The wise, recognizing their sinful nature, refrain from any conversation with them, knowing that such contact causes the destruction of one’s daily merit. Even those who wear matted hair or shave their heads, who eat in vain and reject all purity, and who are excluded from water offerings and ancestral rites—by conversing with them, men fall into hell. At this point, Maitreya, filled with reverence and curiosity, addressed the venerable sage: “O revered one, you have explained to me the duties of the virtuous—what should be done regularly and occasionally. Please, O teacher, instruct me further. You have described the duties of the four social orders and the stages of life; now, I wish to hear of the lineage of kings. Kindly tell me of their descent.” Śrī Parāśara replied, “Maitreya, listen as I recount the lineage of Manu, adorned with many kings who excelled in sacrifice, valor, heroism, and wisdom, beginning with Brahmā himself. To dispel the sins of this lineage, hear this account in its proper order. Just as the blessed Viṣṇu, the origin and eternal foundation of all worlds, embodies the Ṛg, Yajus, and Sāma Vedas, so from Him, Brahmā—known as Hiraṇyagarbha, the golden cosmic egg—first appeared in mortal form. From Brahmā’s right thumb was born Dakṣa Prajāpati. From Dakṣa came Aditi; from Aditi, Vivasvān; and from Vivasvān, Manu. Manu had ten sons: Ikṣvāku, Nṛga, Dhṛṣṭa, Śaryāti, Nariṣyanta, Prāṃśu, Nābhaga, Diṣṭa, Karūṣa, and Pṛṣadhra. Desiring further progeny, Manu performed a sacrifice for Mitra and Varuṇa. However, due to an error by the officiating priest, a daughter named Ilā was born. By the favor of Mitra and Varuṇa, Ilā was transformed into Sudyumna, a son of Manu. Yet, due to the wrath of the divine, Sudyumna was again turned into a woman and wandered near the hermitage of Budha, the son of Soma. Moved by affection, Budha fathered a son, Purūravas, with Ilā. Even after Purūravas’ birth, the great sages, desiring Sudyumna’s manhood, performed sacrifices with the Ṛg, Yajus, Sāma, Atharva Vedas, and all Vedas, invoking the divine form of the Yajña-Puruṣa. Thus, by their favor, Ilā was restored as Sudyumna. Sudyumna had three sons: Uttkala, Gaya, and Vinata. However, because of his former existence as a woman, Sudyumna did not receive a share of the kingdom. Then, by his father’s command and the counsel of the sage Vasiṣṭha, the city named Pratiṣṭhāna was given to Sudyumna, and he in turn bestowed it upon Purūravas. From this lineage, Kṣatriyas arose in all directions. But Pṛṣadhra, son of Manu, became a Śūdra due to the killing of his guru’s cow. Manu’s son Karūṣa gave rise to the Karūṣa Kṣatriyas, renowned for their might and valor. Diṣṭa’s son Nābhāga became a Vaiśya, from whom was born Balaṃdhana. From Balaṃdhana came Vatsaprīti and Udārakīrtti. From Vatsaprīti was born Prāṃśu, and from Prāṃśu, Prajāpati. Prajāpati’s only son was Khanitra. From Khanitra came Cakṣuṣa, and from Cakṣuṣa, Viṃśa, endowed with great strength and valor. From Viṃśa came Viviṃśaka; from him, Khaninetra; then Ativibhūti; and from Ativibhūti, Karaṃdhama, a son of great strength and valor. From Karaṃdhama was born Avikṣit, and Avikṣit too had a son of immense might and valor, named Marutta. Of Marutta, it is still sung: whose sacrifice on earth was ever like his? All the sacrificial objects he used were made of gold and shone with exceeding splendor. Indra himself appeared as an uninvited guest; the twice-born received soma and fees; the Maruts served as attendants, and the gods of heaven participated in the assembly. This Marutta, the universal emperor, had a son named Nariṣyanta, and thus the lineage continued, illustrious and blessed.