Brahmanda Purana

To the boy who was weeping, a gentle voice spoke: “Do not weep.” With these words, the boy was comforted, and he was told, “You are called Mahadeva.” At this, his tears ceased, and he found peace. Then, the boy was asked, “Indicate the places of these by name.” The elements were named: the sun, water, earth, air, fire, and space itself. Among these, it was said, one should worship, honor, and respectfully bow with care. “What I previously told you—the name ‘Rudra,’ O mighty one—remember this.” As these words were spoken, the radiance of that being became the eye, shining forth brilliantly. It was instructed that one should avoid looking at the sun during its rising or setting. Therefore, anyone who desires a long life and strives for purity should not gaze directly at the sun. Instead, at both twilights, one should be seated, reciting the Sāma, Ṛg, and Yajur Vedas. At the time of the afternoon Sāma recitation, Rudra himself enters in succession. One should never oppose Rudra under any circumstance. Then, Brahmā addressed that god, whose form was blue and red, once again. “Of these elements, let water be your second form, named as such.” At that moment, the god entered into water, and thus he is remembered as “Bhava of water.” Because he brings forth existence and moistens all beings, he is called Bhava among them. It was taught that one should not spit, bathe, or engage in intercourse in water, for pure and impure forms of water are regarded by the sages as his very bodies. The ocean is the womb of all waters; therefore, all waters long to return to it. Because of this, one should not obstruct the flow of water, for all waters desire the ocean. Again, Brahmā spoke to the boy Nīlalohita. “The earth is your third form, known by this name.” The god entered the earth, and so he is called Śarva. It was instructed that one should not relieve oneself in the shadow, nor on the path, nor in one’s own shadow. Whoever conducts themselves thus upon the earth will not be harmed by Śarva. The fourth name, Brahmā declared, is Īśāna. When this was spoken, that which dwells within the body became fivefold—it became known as prāṇa, the vital breath. Therefore, one should never revile the wind, the lord who moves about freely. When one acts accordingly, Maheśāna, the great lord, does not harm that person. The fifth name, Brahmā said, is Paśupati. At this, the power within the body became fire, known as heat. Because fire became the animal, and because he protects the animals, one should not burn anything unfit for worship, nor scorch one’s feet. Paśupati, the god, does not harm one who acts in this way. The sixth name, Brahmā spoke, is Bhīma, O lord. When this was declared, that which is within the body became a cavity, representing space. Because the god is remembered in space, he is never confined anywhere. Therefore, one should not engage in sexual intercourse, nor should one discard leftovers, in space. Then, Brahmā addressed that mighty and powerful god once more. He said, “A twice-born who is initiated becomes the embodiment of that name.” Thus, the forms and names of the great god were revealed, each one manifesting through the elements and the very order of the world, guiding all beings in reverence and right conduct.