Delighted and honored by King Janaka, the guests spent the night in Mithilā, where Janaka—resplendent and deeply versed in dharma—completed the sacred rites for the sacrifice and for his daughters. The night passed in peace, and with the dawn, King Janaka, having finished his morning devotions, addressed Śatānanda, his learned family priest, in the presence of the assembled sages. He spoke of his brother, Kuśadhvaja, a man renowned for his energy, valor, and virtue, who dwelled in the auspicious city of Sāṃkāśya. This city, pure as merit itself, stood by the clear waters of the Kṣumatī river, bordered by groves and fruit trees, beautiful as the celestial Puṣpaka chariot. Janaka expressed his desire to see his brother, whom he regarded as the protector of the sacrifice and wished for him to share in the present joy. As Janaka finished speaking, attendants arrived. He swiftly sent them on fleet horses to summon Kuśadhvaja, the tiger among men, just as Indra would call on Viṣṇu. The messengers traveled to Sāṃkāśya, delivered Janaka’s message, and told Kuśadhvaja all that had transpired and what was desired of him. Upon hearing this, Kuśadhvaja, honoring his brother’s word, immediately set out for Mithilā. Arriving, Kuśadhvaja greeted the great-souled Janaka, devoted to righteousness, as well as Śatānanda, offering them due homage. He then took his place upon a splendid royal seat beside his brother, the two shining with equal brilliance. Together, the two mighty brothers dispatched their chief minister, Sudāman, instructing him: “Go swiftly, foremost among ministers, to the illustrious Ikṣvāku, Daśaratha. Invite him, his sons, and his counselors—the unconquerable one who enhances the Raghu lineage—to our place of hospitality.” Sudāman set out and, upon reaching Daśaratha, respectfully bowed and conveyed Janaka’s invitation: “O lord of Ayodhyā, King Janaka of Mithilā wishes to meet you, together with your preceptors and priests.” Hearing these words, Daśaratha, accompanied by sages, relatives, ministers, preceptors, and kin, journeyed to where Janaka awaited. When they arrived, one skilled in speech addressed Janaka: “O great king, you know the tutelary deity of the Ikṣvāku line. In all matters, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha is our spokesperson, with the approval of Viśvāmitra and the assembled great sages. This righteous Vasiṣṭha will speak for me in due order.” With that, Daśaratha fell silent, and the venerable Vasiṣṭha began to speak. In the presence of the priests, Vasiṣṭha recounted the lineage: “Brahmā, the imperceptible, eternal, and undecaying, spoke to the wise Vaideha. From Brahmā was born Marīci; from Marīci, Kaśyapa; from Kaśyapa, Vivasvān; and from Vivasvān, Manu, called Vaivasvata. Manu, the ancient progenitor, had a son, Ikṣvāku, who was the first king of Ayodhyā. Ikṣvāku’s illustrious son was Kukṣi, whose son was Vikukṣi. From Vikukṣi came Bāṇa, radiant and mighty; from Bāṇa was born Anaraṇya. Anaraṇya’s son was Pṛthu, and from Pṛthu came Triśaṅku. Triśaṅku’s son was Dhundhumāra, famed throughout the world. Dhundhumāra’s son was Yuvanāśva, a great chariot-warrior, whose son was Māndhātā, lord of the earth. From Māndhātā came Susandhi, who had two sons: Dhruvasandhi and Prasenajit. Dhruvasandhi’s son was the renowned Bharata, and Bharata’s son was the mighty Asita. Against Asita, rival kings—the Haihayas, Tāla-jaṅghas, and heroic Śaśabindus—rose as enemies. Defeated in battle, Asita went into exile in the Himalayas with his wives. There, his strength faded, and he met his destined end, leaving both wives pregnant. One wife, out of jealousy, gave her co-wife a potion to destroy her pregnancy. Yet, in the beautiful mountains, a Bhārgava sage named Cyavana was residing. One noble lady, Kālindī, lotus-eyed and eager for a son, approached Cyavana, bowed to him, and expressed her desire. The sage blessed her, saying, ‘A virtuous and greatly powerful son will be born to you. Do not grieve; a son of great strength and radiance will soon be yours.’ Thus blessed, Kālindī, though separated from her husband, gave birth to a son. Despite her co-wife’s jealousy and the potion meant to destroy him, the child Sagara was born along with that very potion. Sagara’s son was Asamanja; from Asamanja came Amshuman; and from Amshuman’s son Dilipa was born the illustrious Bhagiratha.” Thus, the noble lineage of the Ikṣvākus was recounted, establishing the heritage and dharma of those gathered in Mithilā.