While still in the womb, Ashtavakra is cursed b his father Kahoda and is born deformed. Kahoda challenges the sage Bandhi to a debate and loses and is drowned in the river as a result. While still a young boy Ashtavakra gains his revenge by defeating Bandhi in a debate. Bandhi then reveals that he is the son of Varuna and that the sages he defeated were sent to perform a yagna for his father. He goes to the river and all the sages including Kahoda return alive. On his return home Ashtavakra is cured of his deformity.; When Dhruva is slighted by his father and his father's second wife Suruchi, he goes to the forest to pray to Narayana. He is granted his wish and becomes his father's successor.