As Brahmā continued his work of creation, seeking to increase the multitude of beings, he first brought forth intelligence—a faculty that enables beings to discern purpose and direction. Setting aside both passion and goodness, Brahmā acted according to his own deeds in the present moment, guided by the necessity of creation. Soon after, he dispelled the darkness and wrapped himself in the mantle of passion. Yet, from his unrighteous conduct emerged violence and sorrow, casting a shadow over his creative acts. In time, Brahmā found delight and took as his own a woman of unparalleled beauty, enchanting to all beings. She was known as Śatarūpā, a name repeated in reverence for her supreme charm. Just as it was done for you, O great one, in the midst of the Tretā age, Brahmā then created other sons born from his mind, each bearing his likeness. Among these mind-born sons were Dakṣa, Atri, and Vasiṣṭha. Brahmā stands as the source of all those who are self-born and possess self-restraint. Prajāpati and Ruci are counted as the earliest ancestors among these ancient ones. Ruci, whose origin is from the unmanifest mind, was born thus. From his vital breath, Brahmā created Dakṣa; from his eyes, Marīchi arose. Angiras was produced from his head, and Atri from his ears. Vasiṣṭha emerged from the equalizing breath, and Kratu from the downward breath. Among these, Dharma is remembered as the firstborn of the deities. Those ancient householders established Dharma in days of old, and among them, twelve divine lineages endowed with the qualities of the gods arose. When these sages, beginning with Dharma, undertook the work of creation, Brahmā became enveloped once more by darkness and was struck by sorrow. From his sons, another measure of darkness emerged, compounding the gloom. Then, when his manifestation was hindered, Brahmā made a choice. Dividing his own body in two, he became half man and half woman. This nature, the bearer of all beings, was created from desire by the Lord. That was the former body of Brahmā, which remained, covering the heavens. The goddess Śatarūpā, having performed austerity for countless years, endured the most arduous penance. Brahmā, the primordial Svayambhu, is also called Manu—the archetypal man. Having obtained a wife, Manu, born from no womb, took Śatarūpā as his consort. Their union, the first of its kind, occurred at the dawn of the kalpa. Manu, remembered as the sovereign with a hundred forms, is known as the son of Virāj. From Virāj, from the cosmic Puruṣa, the heroic Śatarūpā was born. From this blessed union came two daughters of great fortune, from whom all beings trace their origin. Svāyambhuva Manu, the lord, gave his daughter Prasūti in marriage to Dakṣa. In Ākūti, a virtuous pair was born to the mind-born Ruci. In Dakṣiṇā, twelve sons were born to Yajña. The sons of Yama are also the sons of Yajña, and thus they are called the Yāmās. The Yāmās, who first moved about, are known as the dwellers of heaven. In Prasūti, Dakṣa, the lord, begot twenty-four daughters, continuing the divine lineage and ensuring the proliferation of beings throughout creation.