In the ancient unfolding of creation, the Gandharvas and Apsarases, whose celestial music fills the heavens, were themselves born as the very essence of speech. The Lord of creatures, Prajapati, brought forth the Rākṣasas from his abdomen, while others arose from his sides. From his hairs sprang the plants that bear fruits and roots, nourishing all life. Among these creations, those born from his hairs are known as domestic animals. But listen further: the sixth category comprises aquatic creatures, and the seventh includes reptiles. From his mouth emerged the Brāhmaṇas, the upholders of sacred knowledge; from his arms came the Kṣatriyas, the protectors and rulers. The Brāhmaṇas are destined for the world of Brahmā, while the Kṣatriyas attain the world of Indra. Those who observe the vow of the student reach the world of Brahmā, as do the seven sages and those who dwell in the forest, living lives of renunciation and wisdom. Having described the creation of beings in this world and the next, the account turns to the mental creation of beings. From the mind arose Dharma, Rudra, Manu, and Sanaka the eternal sage. The great sages Marīci, Atri, Aṅgiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, and Kratu were also born. The Agniṣvāttas, Kavyādhas, and Ajyapās—beings of auspicious times—came forth. Four beings endowed with form appeared, and from the thumb of Prajapati, the lord Dakṣa was born. In Daksha’s consort, he begot auspicious daughters. Rudra’s sons were countless and mighty. From Bhrigu, the auspicious one, Dhata and Vidhata were born. In her, Hari himself begot Bala and Unmada. Dhata and Vidhata took wives, and to them were born two sons. Sambhuti, wife of Marichi, gave birth to Paurnamasa. From Smriti came the sons and daughters of Angiras. Similarly, Anasuya bore sinless sons to Atri. In Priti, the wife of Pulastya, Dattoli was born. Kshama, wife of Pulaha, also gave birth. From the mind, sixty thousand sages were born. In Urjja, seven sons were born to Vasishtha: Sutapa, Shukra, and others—these are counted among the seven great sages. From them, Svaha obtained three sons of great energy. From the Pitrs, Svadha was born, as well as Mena and Vaitarani. She who was formerly Sati gave birth to Mainaka and Gauri. Prajapati himself created Manu, protector of creatures, from his own self. The divine Svayambhuva Manu accepted a wife. To Prasūti and Ākūti were born Priyavrata and Uttānapāda. Prasūti was given to Dakṣa, and Devahūti to Kardama. There were twelve powerful sons, known as the Yāmas. Dharma, the lord, accepted the daughters of Dakṣa as his wives: Śraddhā, Calā, Dhṛti, Tuṣṭi, Puṣṭi, Medhā, and Kriyā. For the sake of a wife, Dharma accepted them. Sannati, Anasūyā, Ūrjjā, Svāhā, and Svadhā also became consorts. Pulastya, Pulaha, and Kratu—the foremost of sages—accepted the daughters, beginning with Khyāti. Thus, the tapestry of creation was woven, with divine beings, sages, and their descendants arising in sacred succession.