In days long past, the Mārkaṇḍeyas shone as illustrious sages, renowned for their mastery of the Vedas. Among them were Unnata and Dyutimat, along with Svanavāta, whose wisdom was celebrated. Let us now remember the descendants of the sage Marīci during the ancient Svāyaṃbhuva Manvantara, and hear also of the daughters of Prajāpati Pūṛṇamāsa. Pūrṇamāsa, united with Sarasvatī, fathered two sons. Among them, Sudhāmā, famed for his wisdom, was born to Viraja. This Sudhāmā, a guardian of the worlds and righteous in soul, was the mighty son of Gaurī. Parvaśa, with Parvaśā, begot two sons named Māsa, who became founders of lineages and were born with a determination for renunciation. In their family, a son and four virtuous daughters, renowned throughout the worlds, were born. Likewise, Bharata and Agni, and Kīrtimant were counted among these noble offspring. From Marīcī himself were born Hiraṇyaromā and Parjanya. In the sacred sacrifice, Kīrttimat and Dhenukā, both free from sin, were present. Their sons and grandsons, numbering in the thousands, have since passed away. Among them was a daughter named Śruti, who became the mother of Śaṅkhapada. Satyanetra and Havya, the form of Āpa, and Śanaiścara were also born in this lineage. Along with the sons of Yama, the five Ātreyas are proclaimed. During the Svāyambhuva Manvantara, hundreds and thousands of these noble souls passed away. In a previous birth, the sage Agastya was remembered during this Manvantara, and among his wives, the younger, Sadvatī, was renowned. Of Paulastya, the Brahmarṣi, there was a wise son named Prīti. These were known as the Paulastyas, remembered in the Svāyambhuva Manvantara, all possessing the brilliance of the Tretā fire, their fame firmly established. Among the sages was Kanakapīṭha, and the auspicious maiden Pīvarī. Pīvarī bore a son named Śaṅkhapada and a daughter named Kāmyā. Kāmyā, who delighted in the southern direction, was given in marriage to Priyavrata. Twelve maidens established the royal order. Yaśodharā gave birth to Kāma, slender of waist. None among these ascetic souls had wife or son, for all were born of ascetic seed. They go before Aruṇa, surrounding the sun. Among them, two younger sisters, Satyavati and Cate, were known for their virtue. From Urja, Vasistha had seven sons, celebrated as the Vasisthas. Urja also became the mother of Dyutimat, the beloved chief queen of Prana. From her were born Raksha, Gartta, Urdhabahu, Savana, and Pavana. Ratna, the illustrious Markandeyi, gave birth to Varangi. The lineages of these great-souled Vasisthas are known by their names. Thus, the creation of the sages and their descendants has been described. Now, from Brahma’s mind-born son, Svaha was born. Nirmathya, Pavamana, and Vaidyuta are remembered as forms of Agni. Nirmathya, Pavamana, Shuchi, and Saura are also known as forms of Agni, each carrying the divine flame in their own way.