The sages gathered and inquired about the journey of Soma’s grandson and how he attained the state of Śravaśura. In that realm, those who possess wisdom and knowledge do not rejoice as ordinary beings do. Though they are restrained in their actions, the truly wise are never deluded there. It is austerity alone that rises as the greatest force, and power is its cause. One who is blessed with offspring and long life, having crossed over the worldly realm, is honored in heaven. Thus, six natural creations have passed, each marking a Manvantara, the great cosmic cycles. The wise have described these creations, O best among the twice-born, and all that has been stated about the creations of Vivasvat is neither less nor more than the truth. Whoever recites these qualities with a heart free from malice will themselves attain those virtues. Now, listen to the account of creation, both in summary and detail. From Marīci and Kaśyapa were born the gods and supreme sages. The Bhṛgus and Angiras are remembered as eight distinct groups of deities. The Sādhyas, Vasus, Viśve, and the sons of Dharma form three more groups. In this interval of Vaivasvata, these beings are considered to be born of desire. Thus, the creation of Marīci is auspicious in the present time. Those who have passed, those yet to come, and those who exist now—all are governed by the lords of time: past, future, and present. These are the thousand-eyed Purandaras, each having performed hundreds of sacrifices, each with their own qualities. They prevail and endure, upheld by dharma and other causes. The lords of past, future, and present are as powerful as the mighty, and the twice-born remember them as the triad of worlds. The future is remembered as heaven, and now I will explain the means of attaining it. The syllable 'bhūḥ' was first uttered, and thus the world Bhūloka, the earth, came into being. Because it exists and is perceived, it is known as Bhūloka. In this world, the word 'bhūvaḥ' was next spoken by Brahmā. From 'bhavana', meaning becoming, the world Bhuvarloka received its name, according to its etymology. When this second world was produced, Brahmā again uttered its name. For what is yet to come, the word 'bhavya' is recognized as indicating the future. 'Bhūḥ' is remembered as the earth, 'bhuvaḥ' as the atmosphere, and with these three utterances, the three worlds—the Vyāhṛtis—came to be, each linked to past, present, and future. Because of these worlds, the chief among gods, Indras, and those possessing qualities, as well as yajñas, Gandharvas, Rākṣasas, Piśācas, and human beings, came into existence. The Indras among the gods, teachers, lords, kings, and ancestors are indeed these. Thus, this is the general characteristic of the Indras among the gods. Among the wise are Gādhija, the sage Kauśika, Viśvāmitra the great ascetic, Bṛhaspati’s renowned son Bharadvāja, Svāyambhuva, the blessed Atri, Brahmakośa, Vatsara, and Kāśyapa—these seven are esteemed by the virtuous. Among the noble kings are Ikṣvāku, Nṛga, Dhṛṣṭa, and Śaryāti.