Long ago, I brought forth ten sons from my mind—beings of immense creative power, destined to shape the worlds themselves. Eager to discover the ultimate truth, these sons set out across the earth, their spirits filled with energy and purpose. Yet, after their departure, they did not return. I created them anew, and again they left, never to come back. Those who have gone, truly, are lost to me. In time, great sages were born—the divine descendants of Angiras. These noble souls were deeply learned, masters of the Vedas and Vedāṅgas, accomplished in every branch of sacred knowledge. Having received their teacher Angiras's blessing, and bowing reverently before him, these ascetics, steadfast in their austerities, set out on their spiritual quest. Yet, in their eagerness, they neglected to seek their mother's permission. A mother is to be honored above all, even more than one's teacher. Angered by her sons' disregard, Nārada's mother cursed them, declaring, "Those sons who have set out to practice austerities in every way, ignoring me, shall not attain success." Thus, despite their efforts, the sages found no fulfillment in their penances. Obstacles confronted them wherever they wandered—arising from demons in some places, from humans and women in others, and even from the frailties of their own bodies. Wandering thus, burdened by setbacks, they eventually came to Agastya, the great sage born from a jar, the very embodiment of austerity and a revered teacher of the world. The descendants of Angiras, children of the fire lineage, bowed before Agastya, the lord of the southern quarter, their hearts humble and prepared to seek his wisdom. They asked, "O venerable one, despite all our efforts and repeated austerities, something hinders our progress. What is our fault? What should we do? Please reveal the way, for you are foremost among Brahmins, tranquil, compassionate, and wise beyond compare." Agastya, after a moment of quiet contemplation, addressed them: "Though you possess peaceful minds and were created by Brahmā as progenitors, your austerities have not borne fruit—remember the cause of your downfall. Those created by Brahmā before you, who sought happiness or set out anew, also became descendants of Angiras. Like them, you too have gone forth again and again. In time, you will surpass even the progenitor himself, without doubt. "Now, go and perform austerities at the Gaṅgā, the purifier of the three worlds. There is no greater means in this world than the Gaṅgā, beloved of Śiva. There, in that sacred place, worship the giver of knowledge in the hermitage. That great soul will dispel all your doubts, for without a true teacher, perfection cannot be attained anywhere." The sages then asked the eminent Agastya, "Who is called the giver of knowledge—Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Maheśa, Āditya, or the Moon? Or is it Agni or Varuṇa? O best of sages, tell us truly." Agastya replied, "Hear who the giver of knowledge is. That which is water is also Agni; that which is Agni is called Sūrya; that which is Sūrya is truly Viṣṇu; and that which is Viṣṇu is Bhāskara. That which is Brahmā is indeed Rudra; and Rudra is all that exists. In whom all things abide, that knowledge—he is the giver of knowledge here. "There are many teachers—preceptors, inspirers, commentators, expounders, and givers of the body—but among them, the giver of knowledge is supreme. True knowledge is that which destroys division. The one, non-dual Śambhu is spoken of by the wise in many ways—called Indra, Mitra, Agni—because of the delusion caused by differences." Hearing these profound words, the sages sang hymns of praise and set out as instructed: five journeyed to the northern Gaṅgā, and five to the southern. There, worshipping the deities as Agastya had taught, they sat properly, absorbed in contemplation of the ultimate truth. The hosts of gods looked upon them with favor, for the role of creator had been established at the dawn of the age by the source of the universe. Their austerities were for the removal of unrighteousness, the establishment of the Vedas, the welfare of the worlds, and the attainment of dharma, kāma, and artha. When the true meaning of the Purāṇas, Smṛtis, Vedas, and Dharmaśāstras is ascertained, the role of creator of the worlds is sought—and you, too, will assume such a form. Gradually, these sages will attain the status of Prajāpati, especially when unrighteousness arises and the Vedas are in decline. In times of distress for the Vedas, future Vyāsas will arise among them; whenever dharma wanes or the Vedas diminish, those Vyāsas will act for the benefit of all. The supreme bank of the Gaṅgā is the place of their austerity. There, Śiva, Viṣṇu, Brahmā, Āditya, Agni, and Water are always present in every form. Nothing is more purifying or greater than these; in attaining their forms, one realizes the supreme Brahman. Śiva, the all-pervading essence of all beings, abides especially in that sacred place, out of compassion for all living creatures. Attended by all the gods, he bestows his grace there. Know those sages as Dharma-Vyāsas and Veda-Vyāsas. That holy place is renowned by that name throughout the three worlds. Its waters wash away the mire of sin, dispel the darkness of delusion and pride, and grant all attainments to people—it is the unsurpassed Vyāsa Tīrtha. Moreover, there is a sacred place called Vañjarāsaṃgama, celebrated in all three worlds, constantly revered by sages, perfected beings, and royal seers.