O noble one, know that in any household where the hymn to Śrī is recited, misfortune and quarrels never find a place. As you asked, I have now recounted to you the story of how Śrī, the daughter of Bhṛgu, first arose from the churning of the ocean of milk. This very hymn, which brings all attainments and which Indra once spoke to Lakṣmī, when recited by people, ensures that misfortune cannot dwell in their homes. Hearing this, Maitreya said, “O great sage, you have answered all I asked. Now, please tell me again, beginning with the creation of Bhṛgu.” Parāśara replied: Lakṣmī was born to Khyāti, the daughter of Bhṛgu, and she became the consort of Viṣṇu. Bhṛgu and Khyāti also had two sons, Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ. Āyati and Niyati, daughters of the noble Mairā, became their wives, and each bore sons. From this lineage came Prāṇa and Mṛkaṇḍu; from Mṛkaṇḍu was born the illustrious sage Mārkaṇḍeya, and from Vedaśīrṣa, another great lineage continued. Prāṇa’s son was Kṛtimān, who begot Rājavāṃśa, and from him the Bhārgava lineage spread far and wide. Marīci’s wife, Sambhūti, gave birth to Paurṇamāsa, who fathered two sons, Virajā and Sarvaga. As I recount the lineages, hear also of those born to Smṛti and Aṅgiras, both sons and daughters. Among the daughters were Sinīvālī, Kuhū, Rākā, and Anumati. Anasūyā, too, gave birth to the sinless sons of Atri. Prīti, the wife of Pulastya, bore the son Datoli. In a previous age, during the Svāyambhuva Manvantara, Agastya existed and had three sons: Kardama, Śvāvarīya, and Sahiṣṇu. Kṣamā, wife of the progenitor Pulaha, gave birth to sons, and Sannati, wife of Kratu, bore the Bālakhilyas—sixty thousand ascetics, each the size of a thumb-joint, shining like water, smoke, and the sun, with their seed flowing upward. Ūrjjā, wife of Viśiṣṭha, bore seven sons: Rajogātra, Ūrdhvabāhu, Vasana, Anagha, Sutapā, Śukra, and the eldest, the lord of fire himself, all pure and noble sages. From him and Svāhā three sons were born: Pāvaka, Pāvamāna, and Śuci, the consumer of water. From these, in succession, came forty-five others, making forty-nine fires in all. These fires are described as a father and three sons; and I have explained to you the ancestors created by Brahmā. Among them are the Agniṣvāttas, Bahirṣads, Anagnis, and Sāgnis, and with Svadhā, they gave birth to Mainā and Vaidhāriṇī. Both women were learned in Brahman, yoginīs endowed with supreme knowledge and all virtues. Thus is recounted the progeny of Dakṣa’s daughters. Whoever remembers this lineage with faith shall not remain childless. Now, O twice-born, hear further. Priyavrata and Uttānapāda, the two mighty and righteous sons of Svāyambhuva Manu, have been described to you. Of these, Uttānapāda had a son named Uttama by his beloved and favored wife, Suruci. To his less favored queen, Sunīti, was born his son Dhruva. One day, Dhruva saw Uttama, his father’s brother’s son, seated on the lap of the king. Longing for the same affection, Dhruva approached with love and eagerness, desiring to climb onto his father’s lap. But the king did not welcome him. Suruci, seeing Dhruva’s longing and her own son already seated there, spoke harshly to the boy. “Why do you desire such a great wish in vain, child? One born from another woman cannot attain what was not conceived in my womb. You desire the highest, which is unattainable for you; you lack discernment. Though you, too, are his son, you were not borne by me. This royal seat, the refuge of all kings, is fit only for my son. Why do you trouble yourself? Your wish is lofty, as is my son’s, but why strive in vain? Do you not realize you were born from Sunīti?” Hearing these words from his stepmother, Dhruva was filled with anger and sorrow. He left his father’s side and went to his mother’s dwelling. Sunīti, seeing her son’s trembling lower lip and his anger, took him onto her lap and spoke gently, “Child, what has caused your anger? Who has not welcomed you? Who, my dear, has wronged you, even your father?” Dhruva told his mother everything: how Suruci, proud and favored, had spoken before the king. Hearing this, Sunīti was deeply distressed; she sighed, her eyes filled with tears, and spoke to her son, “Suruci has spoken the truth, my son; you are unfortunate. Even the virtuous are not free from the trials of co-wives. Do not be disturbed by what has happened in the past, dear one. Who can give or take away what you yourself have not done?