With deep wisdom, King Kuśanābha gathered his hundred daughters and spoke to them of the supreme virtue of patience. “Patience is true fame, patience is righteousness, and upon patience the world itself rests,” he declared, imparting this lesson before letting his daughters go, his might likened to that of the gods. Being skilled in counsel, Kuśanābha then carefully deliberated with his ministers about the giving of his daughters in marriage, considering with discernment the right time, the proper place, and the worthiest recipient. At this very time, a radiant sage named Cūlī, steadfast in his vow of celibacy and righteous conduct, was engaged in deep Brahmanical austerity. As he performed his penance, a Gandharva maiden named Somadā, daughter of Ūrmilā, attended upon him. She served the sage with devotion and humility, bowing before him, and for a time she dwelt there, living righteously under his guidance. Pleased with her faithful service, the sage, in due course, addressed her: “I am pleased with you. May good be yours. Tell me, what can I do to bring you happiness?” Recognizing his satisfaction, Somadā, delighted and skilled in speech, replied in a gentle voice, “O great ascetic, radiant with Brahmanical splendor, I desire a righteous son, endowed with the power of penance. I am without a husband, and not anyone’s wife; having approached you through Brahmanical means, you alone are worthy to grant me a son.” The sage, pleased with her request, granted her an excellent son, born of his mind—Brahmadatta, son of Cūlī, endowed with Brahmanical qualities. In time, King Brahmadatta came to dwell in the splendid city of Kāmpilya, shining with supreme glory like the lord of the gods in heaven. King Kuśanābha, recognizing the worth of Brahmadatta, resolved to give his hundred daughters to him. Summoning the illustrious Brahmadatta, the king, his heart filled with joy, gave his daughters in marriage to him. In due order, Brahmadatta took their hands, as the lord of gods would with his consorts. At the very touch of Brahmadatta’s hand, the daughters were freed from their deformity and affliction, and all hundred maidens shone forth with supreme beauty. Seeing his daughters thus released from their suffering, King Kuśanābha was overwhelmed with delight, rejoicing again and again. Having married his daughters, he sent Brahmadatta, along with his new wives and accompanied by teachers, on their way. Somadā, the Gandharva maiden, saw her son performing deeds befitting his lineage. In accordance with custom, she joyfully welcomed her daughters-in-law, touching them and offering praise to Kuśanābha. Now, listen to the next chapter of this tale. When Brahmadatta had been married and departed, the childless King Kuśanābha, desiring a son and a grandson, performed a great sacrifice. As the sacrifice was underway, the supremely noble sage Kuśa, son of Brahmā, appeared and spoke to Kuśanābha: “O son, a righteous son, equal to yourself, will be born to you. Through him, you shall obtain Gādhi and everlasting fame in the world.” Having thus spoken, Kuśa ascended into the sky and departed for the eternal world of Brahmā. In due time, to the wise Kuśanābha was born a supremely righteous son, named Gādhi. O descendant of Kakutstha, that Gādhi, noble and virtuous, is my father; I am Kauśika, born in the lineage of Kuśa. My elder sister, steadfast in virtue, is named Satyavatī, who was given in marriage to the sage Ṛcīka. That supremely noble Satyavatī, devoted to her husband, ascended to heaven in her very body and became the great river Kauśikī. Divine, with pure and lovely waters, she rests upon the Himālaya, becoming a river for the welfare of the world. Therefore, I dwell happily by the side of the Himālaya, united in affection with my sister Kauśikī. Satyavatī, established in truth and righteousness, devoted to her husband and greatly fortunate, became Kauśikī, the best of rivers. Indeed, O Rāma, by observance I left her side and came here; I reached Siddhāśrama and have been perfected by your energy. O Rāma, this is the account of my birth, my lineage, and the land, as you have asked me, mighty-armed one. Midnight has now passed as I have recounted these stories to you; seek your rest, may good fortune attend you, and may nothing hinder our journey. All the trees are still, the wild animals and birds have withdrawn, and the directions are shrouded in the darkness of night. Twilight is slowly fading, and the sky, adorned with stars and constellations, shines like a veil of eyes. The cool-rayed moon rises, dispelling the world’s darkness and delighting the minds of living beings with its gentle light. All the night-dwelling creatures move about, as do hosts of yakṣas, rākṣasas, and fierce, flesh-eating spirits. Having spoken thus, the great sage of immense brilliance fell silent. All the assembled sages honored him, exclaiming, “Excellent, excellent!” Truly, this lineage of the Kuśikas is great, ever devoted to righteousness; the descendants of Kuśa are noble souls, comparable to Brahmā, foremost among men. And you, illustrious Viśvāmitra, are especially renowned, and Kauśikī, the best among rivers, brings glory to your lineage.