In the beginning, the goddesses, wives, and mothers—all resplendent in their forms—appeared, each bearing the graceful aspect reminiscent of Varuṇa. Their existence, as well as their beauty, was ordained by the profound meanings destined for the Brahmarṣis, the great seers; of this, there was no doubt. At this time, the Grandfather of all, Brahmā, performed the sacred offering as prescribed in the Vedas, reciting mantras and pouring the oblations in a continuous, flowing stream. From the brilliance of his own energy, there arose among the worlds a radiant, fiery being. Brahmā took his own seed and, placing it into a vessel filled with ghee, made the offering with devotion. From this act, beings emerged, shining and endowed with distinct forms, each possessing their own unique powers and qualities. Hiraṇyagarbha, the golden-wombed, beheld this luminous flame as it pierced through and emerged before him. At that moment, Mahādeva also arose and, seeing Brahmā, spoke to him. Recognizing the divine presence, Mahādeva declared, “Let this god be my son.” Thus, Mahādeva appointed Bhṛgu as his own son. Then, as a second act, Śukra was offered by the lord into the embers. Witnessing this birth, Agni, the fire god, spoke to Brahmā. Brahmā, the lord of existence, responded to Agni’s words, saying, “So be it.” In this way, Brahmā performed this act six more times, each time offering Śukra, manifesting the creative will of the worlds. From these offerings, Marīci appeared first, arising from the Marīcis. Then came Atri, who proclaimed, “I am the third,” and thus he was named Atri. Pulaha was born from the hanging hair of Brahmā, and thus remembered by that name. Vasiṣṭha, known to those who truly understand reality and the speakers of Brahman, also emerged. These great sages increased the progeny of the world, becoming the creators of offspring. Others, revered as the Pitṛs—the ancestral fathers—were also among these mighty sages. There were seven groups among them, unconquerable and renowned throughout the seven worlds: the Paulastyas, the Paulahas, and the Vasiṣṭhas, all celebrated in tradition. In summary, there were three other distinguished groups as well. Among these groups, Yama, the god who is free from sin by virtue of the Yamas, became their king. Other illustrious beings appeared: Kashyapa, Kardama, Shesha, Vikranta, and Sushrava, along with Prachetasa, Rishtanemi, and Bahula, lord of creatures. The Valakhilyas, ascetics of great austerity, together with other exalted sages, were born from the heaps of sacred kusha grass. Others, honored among the Brahmarshis, were born from the ashes of the sacrificial fire. Though two were lost, the Ashvins—renowned for their radiant beauty—were born. Additional lords of beings emerged from Brahmā’s ears. From him also came the solstices, the seasons, the months, the half-months, and the junctions of the lunar fortnights. What is called ‘Raudra’ is said to be red, and red is remembered as gold. The rays of Brahmā are the Rudras, and likewise, the Adityas were born from him. Thus, Brahmā, you are the very origin of this world, born from the supreme Brahman. There, Brahmā, the guru of the gods, was worshipped and propitiated by the thirty-three gods. All the lords of beings and all the ascetics have ever been the enhancers of your lineage, ever increasing your splendor. All, bearing the Vedic mantras, are born from you, the lord of creatures. Indeed, O Lord, all of us—and all these beings—are truly your own progeny.