O revered one, listen to the unfolding of creation, as revealed in ancient wisdom. Among all beings, cattle and others well known are those who stray from the righteous path. The creation that flows upward is called divine, imbued with the quality of sattva; luminous both within and without, these beings are known as gods. From the unmanifest, another creation emerged—the downward stream, powerful and effective. Humans belong to this stream: though possessing sattva, they are beset by intense suffering. Through contemplation, the creation beginning with the elements came into existence. Thus, O best of the twice-born, five distinct creations have been described. The second, arising from the subtle elements, is called the elemental creation. This natural creation came forth spontaneously, without prior intelligence. The fifth creation, known as the horizontal stream, consists of various species. After this, the creation of those with a downward stream—humans—appeared as the seventh. The ninth is the creation of youths; these are categorized as natural and modified creations. O best of sages, the principal and subsequent creations proceed with prior intelligence. In earlier times, the Lord created Rbhu and Sanatkumara. Their minds were devoted solely to the Lord, and they did not turn their thoughts toward creating. Yet, through the supreme creator’s illusion, they were overcome by maya. Nārāyaṇa, the great yogi, delights in the hearts of yogis. That blessed Lord, though practicing austerities, attained nothing. Angered, tears fell from his eyes. From these tears arose Mahādeva, the refuge, whose form shone with blue and red hues. Established in the Self, the wise recognize him as the supreme Lord. Blessed Brahmā creates these myriad beings. Mahādeva appears with matted hair, fearless, three-eyed, and colored blue and red. Brahmā addressed him: “O Lord of the world, I shall create beings; you create the inauspicious ones.” Now, hear of those who preside over places: rivers, oceans, mountains, trees, and herbs; fortnights, months, solstices, years, and ages. Among the progenitors are Dakṣa, Atri, Vasiṣṭha, Dharma, and Saṃkalpa. From Brahmā’s head came Aṅgiras; from his heart, Bhṛgu; and Saṃkalpa from Saṃkalpa, the grandsire of all worlds. From his apāna, the unwavering Kratu arose; from samāna, Vasiṣṭha. Assuming human form, Dharma was set in motion by these great beings. Desiring to create, he engaged his own self. From his lower body, the sons called Asuras were born first. Because the night is filled with darkness, all beings sleep during it. Then, from his mouth, the gods were born as he radiated forth. Therefore, O wise one, gods endowed with righteousness worship him. When he regarded himself as the ancestor, the forefathers were born. Pierced by him, that very body became the twilight. Among all these, the form of the forefathers—twilight—is the most exalted.