Among the great sages, there are those revered as the Pitṛs—the ancestral spirits—who hold a special place of honor. These mighty beings are organized into seven unconquerable groups, each renowned throughout the seven worlds. Among them, the Paulastyas, Paulahas, and Vasiṣṭhas are especially celebrated for their greatness. While this is a brief account, there are yet three more groups to be mentioned. Within their ranks, Yama—the sinless god who masters self-control—presides as king. Great souls such as Kashyapa, Kardama, Shesha, Vikranta, and Sushrava are counted among them, as are Prachetasa, Rishtanemi, and Bahula, the lord of all creatures. From heaps of sacred kusha grass were born the Valakhilyas, renowned for their powerful asceticism, together with other exalted sages. Others, esteemed among the Brahmarshis, arose from the very ashes themselves. Though two were lost, the Ashvins—famed for their radiant beauty—were born. From his ears, other lords of beings took form. From him also came the solstices, the seasons, the months, the half-months, and the critical junctions of the lunar fortnights. What is known as ‘Raudra’ is said to be red, and red is often remembered as the color of gold. The rays that emanate from him are known as the Rudras, and from them, the Adityas also arose. O Brahma, you are the source of this entire world, yourself born from Brahman. All the thirty-three gods once worshipped Brahma, the teacher of the gods. All lords of beings and ascetics—ever increasing your lineage and splendor—emerged from him. All, bearing the sacred Vedic mantras, are born from the lord of creatures. Indeed, O Lord, all of us and all these are your own children. In the beginning, you first created Marichi, and then the gods and the sages. In that primordial sacrifice, all the illustrious gods and sages—whoever they were—by your very form, established these creatures. Then, the preceptor of the worlds addressed you as the supreme being. These great sages, born in your lineage, are now described in detail and in order, beginning from the first progenitor. Among them, Hiraṇyakaśipu had a daughter named Divyā, who was widely renowned. Divyā bore a son to Bhṛgu, the foremost knower of Brahman. This son is eternally known as Śukra, and also called Kāvya. Śukra’s wife, named Gaurī, gave birth to four radiant sons, shining like the sun and possessing the power and might of Brahmā himself. These sons of Varatriṇa were devoted to Brahman and served as priests for the Daityas. When Indra saw that dharma was being rejected, he spoke to Manu. Upon hearing Indra’s words, they departed from that region. After freeing her from captivity, he followed after her. When Indra saw them return again, he laughed at the wicked ones. There, as they were being attacked together with the Śālāvṛkas, the sons of Varatriṇa were slain by Indra. Among other notable beings, Triśiras Viśvarūpa—a great soul—was the son of Tvaṣṭṛ, and Viśvakarman, known as the younger brother of Viśvarūpa, is also remembered with reverence.