When the remarkable child was born, the king of the gods, Indra, approached and declared, “He will sustain me.” Because of this pronouncement, the child was named Mādhātṛ. Indra then placed his own finger, glistening with nectar, at the infant’s mouth and let him drink. As Mādhātṛ tasted the divine nectar from Indra’s finger, he grew with astonishing speed, attaining great strength and stature that very day. Māndhātṛ, as he came to be known, soon rose to become a universal emperor, ruling over the entire earth with its seven continents. So enduring was his dominion that a verse proclaims: “As long as the sun rises and sets, and as long as it endures, all that is called the domain belongs to Māndhātṛ, son of Yuvanashva.” In time, Māndhātṛ married Bindumatī, the daughter of Shatabindu. From their union were born three sons—Purukutsa, Ambarīsha, and Muchukunda. Bindumatī also bore him fifty daughters, each radiant and virtuous. Once, the great sage Saubhari, accomplished in many sacred hymns, undertook a prolonged penance. For twelve years, he dwelt immersed in water. There, he observed Sammada, a lord among fish, remarkable for his size and fertility. Sammada was always surrounded by his sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons, who frolicked around him—behind, before, at his sides, above his wings, tail, and head. Day and night, they delighted in ceaseless play by his side. Witnessing the joy Sammada experienced from the touch and company of his offspring, Saubhari found himself increasingly pleased. Day by day, the sage delighted in watching the fish lord’s happiness with his children and grandchildren. But as Saubhari continued his meditation in the water, he found his thoughts turning. Seeing the supreme happiness of Sammada with his family, he pondered, “How fortunate is this being, who, though having gained a new birth he did not seek, enjoys such bliss with his sons and grandsons! He has stirred in me a longing.” Moved by this desire, Saubhari resolved, “I too shall delight in the joys of family life.” Emerging from the water, intent on establishing a lineage of his own, he set out to seek a bride from King Māndhātā. When the king heard of the sage’s arrival, he promptly rose and welcomed him with the proper rituals—offering arghya and other tokens of respect. Once Saubhari was seated, he spoke to the king: “O king, I wish to establish a household. Grant me a daughter in marriage. Do not turn me away, for the Kakutstha lineage is famed for never sending away those who come to them in need.” Saubhari continued, “There are many kings on earth with daughters, Māndhātā. But your family’s vow to give to those who ask is renowned, and this tradition is most praiseworthy. You have a hundred and fifty daughters; give me one of them. I fear the pain of rejection, and so I am anxious about the distress a refusal from a king might cause.” Hearing these words, the king looked upon the sage, whose body was aged and decrepit. Fearing both the consequences of refusal and the possibility of a curse, Māndhātā lowered his face and pondered deeply. Saubhari, perceiving the king’s anxiety, reassured him: “O king, why do you fall into such unbearable worry? I have said nothing unreasonable. If any daughter wishes to fulfill my desire, let her be given to me. If not, why should I not obtain her?” The king, still fearful of a curse and with humility, replied: “O sage, this is the custom of our family: whichever daughter desires a worthy suitor, she is given to him. Your request, O revered one, is beyond our wishes. How this situation has arisen, I do not know what to do.” Thus, the king spoke his mind and left the matter for the sage to ponder. Saubhari reflected, “Being old and unattractive, how will the maidens choose me? Still, to avoid refusal, I shall proceed accordingly.” He then addressed the king: “If so, let me be admitted to the women’s quarters. If any maiden desires me, I will take her as my wife; otherwise, let this matter rest, and let us not pursue what is no longer timely.” At Māndhātā’s command, and out of fear of the sage’s curse, the attendant of the women’s quarters was instructed to escort Saubhari inside. But as he entered, Saubhari transformed himself, making his appearance exceedingly beautiful—surpassing even the charm of the celestial Gandharvas. The attendant then announced to the princesses, “Your father, the great king, commands thus: This brahmin sage has come seeking a bride. I have promised him that whichever of you chooses the venerable one, her choice will not be opposed.” Upon hearing this, all the daughters, filled with affection and excitement, rushed forward like eager female elephants drawn to the leader of their herd. Each vied to choose the sage as her husband, exclaiming, “Enough, sister, I choose him! He is not for you—he is my husband, destined for me. Go and find peace.” Another would insist, “I have chosen him first! Why do you hinder me as he enters my home? Because of me, because of me!” Thus, among the king’s daughters, a great quarrel arose, each claiming the sage for herself. Seeing that he had been chosen with great affection by all the maidens, Saubhari, of flawless reputation, respectfully informed the king. Māndhātā, bewildered and distressed, wondered, “What is this? How has this happened? What should I do?” Yet, unwillingly, he gave his consent. The sage then married all the daughters in the proper manner and led them to his hermitage. There, he summoned another Viśvakarman, the originator of all arts and crafts, and commanded, “Let splendid palaces be built for each daughter, furnished with soft bedding, delightful lotus ponds with singing swans, cranes, and other birds, pleasant surroundings, and fine amenities.” It was done as he wished—Tvaṣṭā, the master craftsman, displayed his skill by creating beautiful dwellings for each princess. By the command of the supreme sage Saubhari, an inexhaustible treasure of joy was established in those houses. Thereafter, with a constant supply of food, delicacies, sweets, and other enjoyments, the king’s daughters, along with their attendants, were served day and night in those splendid homes, living in comfort and happiness.