Saṃvaraṇa was blessed with a son named Kuru, and from Kuru arose a lineage that would shape the destiny of the land. Kuru himself was renowned for establishing the sacred and righteous field known as Kurukṣetra, a place revered across ages. Among Kuru’s sons were Sudhanu, Jahnu, Parīkṣit, and others, each carrying forward the noble legacy. Sudhanu’s line continued with his son Suhotra, from whom came Cyavana, and then Kṛtaka. In time, Uparicara Vasu was born, and he had seven sons: Bṛhadratha, Pratyagra, Kuśāmba, Kuśela, Mātsya, and others. Bṛhadratha’s lineage flourished—his son was Kuśāgra, followed by Vṛṣabha, then Puṣpavān, Satyahita, Sudhanvā, and Jatu. Bṛhadratha also had another son, born from two halves that were united by a she-demon; this child was named Jarāsandha. Jarāsandha’s descendants included Sahadeva, then Somapi, and finally Śrutiśravā. Thus were recounted the kings of Magadha. Continuing the lineage, Parīkṣit had four sons: Janamejaya, Śrutasena, Ugrasena, and Bhīmasena. Jahnu’s line produced Suratha, whose son was Viduratha. From Viduratha came Sārvabhauma, then Jayasena, followed by Ārādhita, Āyutāyu, and Akrodhana. Devātithi was born to Akrodhana, and from Devātithi came Ṛkṣa. Ṛkṣa’s son was Bhīmasena, and then Dilīpa. Dilīpa’s son was Pratīpa, who had three sons: Devāpi, Śantanu, and Bāhlīka. Devāpi, while still a boy, left for the forest, and Śantanu became king. Śantanu was celebrated in verse, for whomever he touched would regain youth, and through his supreme actions, he attained peace. Yet, during Śantanu’s reign, the kingdom endured twelve years without rain. Troubled by the devastation, Śantanu sought counsel from the Brāhmaṇas, asking why the gods withheld rain and what fault lay with him. The Brāhmaṇas answered, “You rule the land that belongs to your elder brother, Devāpi; thus, you are a usurper.” Śantanu then inquired what he should do to remedy this. The Brāhmaṇas explained that as long as Devāpi remained virtuous and free from faults, the kingdom rightfully belonged to him. When it was decided that the kingdom should be offered to Devāpi, the chief minister Ashmaravin sent ascetics into the forest. These ascetics, speaking in accordance with the Vedic doctrine, influenced Devāpi’s mind, turning him away from the path of the Vedas. Distressed by the Brāhmaṇas’ words and sorrowful, Śantanu gathered the Brāhmaṇas and journeyed to the forest to offer the kingdom to his elder brother. Upon reaching Devāpi’s hermitage, the gods themselves approached Devāpi, the humble son of the king. The Brāhmaṇas, speaking in line with Vedic teachings, urged Devāpi to accept the rule of the kingdom as the elder brother. However, Devāpi replied with arguments opposed to the Vedic doctrine, refuting their reasoning in many ways. The Brāhmaṇas then turned to Śantanu and said, “Come, O King, enough of this delay; the fault of drought has now ceased, having lasted for an endless time due to the utterance of words opposed to the Vedic doctrine. Since your elder brother has fallen from virtue, you do not become the successor by usurpation.” Thus, Śantanu returned to his city and rightfully ruled the kingdom.