In the beginning, the blessed Viṣṇu, the eternal foundation and source of all worlds, embodied within Himself the essence of the Ṛg, Yajus, and Sāma Vedas. From Him, Brahmā—also known as Hiraṇyagarbha, the cosmic egg—first emerged in mortal form. From Brahmā’s right thumb was born Dakṣa Prajāpati, and from Dakṣa came Aditi. Aditi gave birth to Vivasvān, and Vivasvān begot Manu. Manu, the progenitor of mankind, had ten sons: Ikṣvāku, Nṛga, Dhṛṣṭa, Śaryāti, Nariṣyanta, Prāṃśu, Nābhaga, Diṣṭa, Karūṣa, and Pṛṣadhra. Desiring more sons, Manu performed a sacrifice to Mitra and Varuṇa. However, due to a mistake made by the officiating priest, a daughter named Ilā was born instead. By the favor of Mitra and Varuṇa, Ilā was transformed into Sudyumna, a son of Manu. Yet, again, due to the wrath of the lord, Ilā reverted to her female form and wandered near the hermitage of Budha, the son of Soma. Budha, moved by affection, fathered Purūravas with Ilā. After Purūravas’s birth, the great sages, wishing for Sudyumna to regain his manhood, performed sacrifices using the Ṛg, Yajus, Sāma, Atharva Vedas, and all Vedas—invoking the divine Yajña-Puruṣa, the embodiment of sacrifice. By their grace, Ilā once more became Sudyumna. Sudyumna had three sons: Uttkala, Gaya, and Vinata. However, because Sudyumna had previously existed as a woman, he was not granted a share of the kingdom. By his father’s command and the wise counsel of Vasiṣṭha, the city of Pratiṣṭhāna was given to Sudyumna, who in turn bestowed it upon Purūravas. From their lineage, Kṣatriyas spread in all directions. Yet, Manu’s son Pṛṣadhra became a Śūdra, as a result of killing his guru’s cow. Karūṣa, another son of Manu, gave rise to the Karūṣa Kṣatriyas, renowned for their might and valor. Diṣṭa’s son Nābhāga became a Vaiśya, and from him was born Balaṃdhana. Balaṃdhana fathered Vatsaprīti and Udārakīrtti; Vatsaprīti’s son was Prāṃśu. Prāṃśu’s only son was Prajāpati, from whom Khanitra was born. Khanitra’s son was Cakṣuṣa, who in turn fathered Viṃśa, a man of great strength and valor. Viṃśa’s son was Viviṃśaka, whose son was Khaninetra, and from Khaninetra came Ativibhūti. Ativibhūti’s son was Karaṃdhama, also endowed with great strength and valor. Karaṃdhama’s son was Avikṣit. Avikṣit too had a son of remarkable strength and valor, named Marutta. Marutta’s greatness was celebrated in verses, for his sacrifice on earth was unmatched—every object used was fashioned from gold and shone with splendor. Indra himself attended as an uninvited guest; the twice-born received gifts of soma and generous fees; the Maruts served as attendants, and all the gods of heaven participated in the assembly. Marutta, the universal emperor, had a son named Nariṣyanta. From Nariṣyanta came Dama, whose son was Rājavardhana. Rājavardhana’s son was Suvṛddhi, and from Suvṛddhi was born Kevala. Kevala’s son was Sudhriti, and Sudhriti’s son was Candra. Then, Kevala was born again in the lineage, followed by Bandhumat, Vegavat, and finally Budha. Thus, the noble lineages of Manu’s descendants unfolded, each generation giving rise to new heroes and rulers, perpetuating the sacred traditions and the glory of Sanātana Dharma.