Blazing with his own radiant light, dispelling the darkness with powerful rays, he shone forth, firmly established in all dharmas, like the thousand-rayed sun illuminating the world. Then, Śambhu—Nārāyaṇa the imperishable, of immense brilliance—arrived, assuming yet another form. He was the illustrious teacher of yoga, revered and resplendent. Kapila, the wise master of Sāṃkhya and foremost among Brāhmaṇas, along with Śambhu and Nārāyaṇa, devoted to the sacred field, praised him with deep reverence. These two great souls, upon arriving, spoke to Brahmā, whose energy is immeasurable, who knows the distinctions of highest and lowest, and who is honored by the great sages. Brahmā, steadfast and bound to the Self, vast and established in the world, leader of all beings, is worshipped throughout the three worlds. Hearing their words, Brahmā, knower of yoga, created the three worlds, as declared in the Veda of Brahmā. He also produced a son for Śambhu—a sage—and stood before him silently, restraining his speech, in that unchanging darkness. As soon as this mind-born son appeared, he addressed Brahmā: “What shall we do to assist you? Let the venerable sage declare it.” It was said to Brahmā, “This is Kapila, and likewise composed of Nārāyaṇa; he speaks your true essence—O great-minded one, do that.” For this purpose, Brahmā arose again, and with joined palms said, “I am ready to serve you both; what shall I do?” He was instructed: “That which is true, imperishable Brahman, of eighteen forms—whatever is true, whatever is right, remember that supreme state.” Hearing these words, Brahmā went northward, and there, through the brilliance of knowledge, attained the state of Brahmā. Then, with his great mind, Brahmā mentally conceived and created the second world, called Earth. He spoke: “What shall I do, Grandfather?” Having been commanded by the Grandfather, he approached Brahmā, practiced devotion, and having descended to earth from the intermediate region, attained the supreme state and came to their side. When that son departed, the Lord created a third, skilled in the pursuit of liberation, the illustrious Bhūrbhuva by name. Having attained the role of protector of cows, he too followed the path of the previous two. Thus, these three sons of the great-souled Śambhu have been described. Taking these sons with him, Brahmā went to the state he had earned, and the blessed Nārāyaṇa, Kapila, and the lord of ascetics did likewise. The time in which those two attained liberation is indeed the same as Brahma’s; thereafter, he undertook a most severe vow. Then Brahma, the sole Lord, found no delight. Practicing austerity, he produced from half his body an auspicious wife. By means of austerity, brilliance, splendor, and discipline, he created a goddess equal to himself, capable of creating worlds. United with her, Brahma delighted while practicing austerity, and then he uttered the three-footed Gāyatrī, honored in the Vedas. Creating the lords of beings and the oceans, the illustrious one also produced the four Vedas, born from Gāyatrī. The Grandfather then created sons resembling himself, the lords of all beings, from whom the worlds have emerged. First, he created Viśveśa, his own son of great austerity, endowed with all mantras and virtue, named Dharma. Then came Dakṣa, Marīci, Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Vasiṣṭha, Gautama, Bhṛgu, Aṅgiras, and Manu. These are known as the wondrous ancestral sages; the great seers embraced Dharma, which is thirteenfold. Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kāla, Anāyu, Siṃhikā, Muni, Tāmrā, Krodhā, Suratā, Vinatā, and Kadrū—these twelve daughters, O King, are the offspring of Dakṣa. Kaśyapa, son of Marīci, was born through austerity. To him, Dakṣa gave those twelve other daughters; and the sage gave the stars to Soma at that time. All the auspicious stars beginning with Rohiṇī, O son of the Sun, Lakṣmī, Marutvatī, Sādhyā, and the blessed Viśveśā are considered. The goddess Sarasvatī too was formerly created by Brahma; these five, O King, are the most excellent, for the best of the gods. Brahmā, perceiver of all actions, gave a beautiful wife, endowed with auspiciousness and righteousness, who could assume any form at will. She, favorable and named Surabhi, approached Brahmā; then Brahmā, honored by the worlds, united with her. Knowing the purpose of creation and for the sake of cows, sons were born from Surabhi, vast and resembling smoke. They appeared like the darkness of night and twilight clouds, blazing with intense energy; they cried, ran, and reproached the Grandfather. Because of their weeping and running, they were known as Rudras; Nirṛti, Śambhu, and Aparājita were among them. Mṛgavyādha, Kapardī, Dahana, Īśvara, Ahirbudhnya, the venerable Kapālī, and Piṅgala as well—these commanders, possessed of great brilliance, are known as the eleven Rudras. From Surabhi also came the cows and the lords of sacrifice. From Surabhi arose the excellent powers, the imperishable cattle, goats, and swans, as well as the supreme nectar.