Whoever truly knows that god—by his many forms and countless names—understands a great secret. This secret, the glory of Bhīmāsya, I have now revealed to you. Listen further, O noble descendants of Bhṛgu, as I tell of the god Mahādeva. In this world, there are two who grant auspicious and inauspicious results to all living beings. From her, the eldest sister, the radiant goddess Śrī, who brings forth the worlds, was born. From Śrī, two sons of Nārāyaṇa came forth: Bāla and Unmāda. Other sons, born from her mind, traveled freely through the sky. During the age of Meru, the wives of Vidhātṛ and Dhātṛ are remembered with reverence. Prāṇa and Mṛkaṇḍa became the two eternal repositories of Brahma’s wisdom. From Mṛkaṇḍa’s union with his wife Dhūmrā, a son named Vedaśiras was born, and the Mārkaṇḍeyas—sages celebrated for their mastery of the Vedas—arose from this line. Among them were Unnata and Dyutimat, as well as Svanavāta. Now, hear of the descendants of Marīci from the ancient Svāyaṃbhuva Manvantara. Listen also to the story of the daughters of Prajāpati Pūṛṇamāsa. Pūṛṇamāsa begot two sons by Sarasvatī. The wise Sudhāmā, famed throughout the worlds, was the son of Viraja. He, the guardian of the worlds, righteous in soul and mighty, was born to Gaurī. Parvaśa, with Parvaśā, fathered two sons named Māsa. These two sons, founders of their own lineages, were born with the resolve for renunciation. In their line, a son and four virtuous daughters—renowned in all the worlds—were born. Likewise, Bharata and Agni, and also Kīrtimant, were born. From Marīcī came Hiraṇyaromā and Parjanya. In the great sacrifice, Kīrttimat and Dhenukā, both free from sin, were born. The sons and grandsons of these lineages have numbered in the thousands and have now passed away. There was also a daughter named Śruti, who became the mother of Śaṅkhapada. Other illustrious names arise: Satyanetra and Havya, Āpa in his form, and Śanaiścara. Alongside them, the sons of Yama and the five Ātreyas are proclaimed. In the era of Svāyambhuva Manvantara, hundreds and thousands have come and gone. In a previous birth, the sage Agastya was remembered in the Svāyambhuva Manvantara, and among his wives, the younger one was famed as Sadvatī. Of Paulastya, the Brahmarṣi, was born the wise son of Prīti. These were the Paulastyas, remembered in the Svāyambhuva Manvantara, all shining with the brilliance of the Tretā fire, their fame established in the worlds. The sage Kanakapīṭha and the auspicious maiden Pīvarī were also of this line. A son named Śaṅkhapada and a daughter named Kāmyā were born to them. Kāmyā, who delighted in the southern direction, was given in marriage to Priyavrata. There were twelve maidens in all, by whom the royal order was established. Among them, Yaśodharā gave birth to Kāma, slender of waist. None among these had wife or son; all were born of ascetic seed. They go before Aruṇa, ever surrounding the sun, shining in their own glory.