In the ancient cycles of creation, the great sages and divine beings shaped the destiny of worlds and peoples. In the second interval, known as a Manvantara, the seven sages included Paulah, Atharvarī, and others of their esteemed company. Alongside them were Bṛhaduktha, Nava, Setu, and Śruta, making nine who are remembered with reverence. These names, as enumerated in the Purāṇas, belong to the second Manvantara, marking its foundational roots. From these sages and their descendants arose the many peoples of the world, for they were the root and source of that age. The scriptures declare that both sages and the sons of the gods held this position, and thus tradition affirms it. This Manvantara, the second, is thus described in brief, for its full account is so vast and wondrous that even hundreds of years would not suffice to tell it in detail. In the third cycle, during the time of Uttama Manu, a new order of gods and sages presided. The Sudhāmānas, a group of twelve radiant deities, were foremost among the gods. Their names were Satya, Dhṛti, Dama, Dānta, Kṣama, Kṣāma, Dhvani, and Śuci, and together with others, they were known as the Sudhāmānas. Alongside them were deities such as Viśvadhā, Viśvakarmā, Mānasa, and Virājasa, as well as Avadhya, Avratir, Deva, Vasur, Dhishnya, and Vibhavasu. Rathormi, Ketuman, and Pratardana were also counted among their number. Sudana, Vasudana, Sumanjasa, and Vishāva completed this assembly. These twelve, auspicious and radiant, were fit for sacrifice and worship. Other deities of that era included Dikpati, Vākpati, Vishva, and Shambhu, as well as Ashva, Sadashva, Kshema, and Ananda. All these divine beings flourished during the time of Uttama Manu. Uttama, the lord of progeny, had as his sons the offspring of Angiras, and these illustrious ones were counted as the seven sages of that Manvantara. Among them were Devamvuj, Apratima—both of great energy—and Gaja. In total, Uttama Manu, the noble-souled, had thirteen sons. This creation, known as the Uttama creation, is recorded as belonging to the Svārochiṣa period. In the fourth cycle, during the era of Tāmasa Manu, the sons of Pulastya became the deities of the age. The sages of this period were recognized as the representatives of the senses, and the senses themselves were honored as the deities of that time. Now, noble ones, listen to the names of the seven sages of Tāmasa’s era: Atri, who is Agni; Jyotirdhama, who is Bhārgava; and in this Manvantara, Caitra and others joined their ranks. Priyabhṛtya, Parīkṣi, Prasthala, and Dṛḍheṣudhi were also present, making up the company of sages who guided that age. In the fifth cycle, during the Svārociṣa Manvantara of Manu, the gods were Amitābhā, Bhūtaraya, Vaikuṇṭha, and Sumedhas. These were divided into four shining groups, each radiant with their own brilliance. Among them were also Sumati, Virāva, Dhāmā, Nāda, and Śravās, all known as the Amitābhā gods of that Manvantara. The names Adhṛti, Vidhṛti, Dama, and Niyama were also remembered, for these were the leaders of the Ābhūtaya groups. Finally, Nātha, Vidvān, Ajeya, Kṛśa, Gaura, and Dhruva were present as well, each playing their part in the unfolding story of the world. Thus, through each cycle of time, the sages, gods, and their descendants shaped the world, their names and deeds preserved in the sacred memory of the Purāṇas.