A divine maiden was born, the younger sister of Kāvyā, the illustrious lord. Alongside her, there were Kratu, Śuci, Svamūrdhā, Vyāja, and Vasuda—these, together, are known as the Bhṛgus, twelve in number, revered as divine sacrificers. In the course of their lineage, a child was violently torn from the womb in the eighth month by a fierce demon. Pracetā, also known as Cyavana, enraged by this act, burned the impure men responsible for such evil. Among the virtuous in this line were Āpravāna and Dadhīca, both esteemed for their righteousness. Ṛcī, the greatly fortunate wife of Āpravāna, hailed from the noble Nāhuṣa lineage. From Aurva was born Ṛcīka, whose brilliance blazed like fire itself. In the reversal of Bhṛgu’s sacrificial offering, both fierce and Viṣṇu-like forms came into being. Reṇukā bore Jamadagni, whose valor was said to rival that of mighty Indra. Aurva had a hundred sons, with Jamadagni foremost among them. Among the descendants of Ṛṣyatara, many Bhārgavas became known as outsiders, distinct from the main line. Mitreyu was the seventh among them, and these are recognized as the branches of the Bhārgavas. From this lineage also arose the Bhāradvājas and the Gautamas, illustrious and learned families. Surūpā, Mārīcī, Kārdamī, and Svarāṭ were among the notable figures in these lines. The heirs of Atharvan, born among these families, shone with distinction in their own right. From Surūpā was born Bṛhaspati, and from Svarāṭ, Gautama. Dhṛṣṇi was the son of Pathyā, and Saṃvarta was born of Mānasa. Ushija, Dirghatamas, Brihaduktha, and the son of Vamadeva followed. The Ribhus, renowned as the divine makers of chariots, are remembered among the gods themselves. Svarāṭ begot Bṛhaspati through Surūpā, and Gautama as well. Ādhārya, Ayu, Dhanur, Daksha, Dama, and Prana were born in this line, along with the Ayasyas, Utathyas, Vamadevas, and Ushijas. The Mudgalas, Vishnuvriddhas, Haritas, and Kapayas also emerged, making up fifteen celebrated branches of the Angirasas. Now, let the supreme division of Marichi be declared. Marichi, desiring offspring, contemplated the waters. Disciplined by austerity, the lord united with his own self, fixing his mind upon the waters. From this deep contemplation, Marichi generated a single being. Through his devotion and penance, he begot a son in the waters, who, for seven thousand years thereafter, remained incomparable. In all the Manvantaras, this being is born as a portion of Brahma. At one point, he drank kashyam, an intoxicating liquor known among the sages, and among the Kashyapas, Kashyapa himself is remembered for this act. Cursed by Daksha in anger, Kashyapa thus came to be in this state. To him, Prachetas Daksha gave his daughters in marriage. Whoever knows this sacred account of the creation of the sages, called the Vāruṇa narrative, is truly blessed. By reciting or even hearing it, one is freed from all sins. Now, Dakṣa himself, at the command of the Self-born, was appointed to create beings. First, that lord created progeny born from his mind, thus continuing the divine process of creation.