All that exists in the three worlds—earth, air, space, and everything within them—along with the creation of principles, the elements, and all beings, both moving and unmoving, arose in the beginning. When the great collection of these things had come into being, the Supreme Lord addressed Brahmā, saying, “You have seen all this, just as it truly is. I am the creator; you are the imitator, for the purpose of maintaining the worlds.” Thus spoken to by the God of gods, Brahmā humbly replied, “By your grace, O great Lord, I am able to create beings.” Maheśvara then said, “Because you, desiring sons and wishing to create, were meditating—having attained sonship, O Lord, I shall cut off your fifth head. Proclaim him as a blessed friend; he will become worthy of our worship.” At that moment, Brahmā beheld Hari, the infallible one, radiant with divine splendor. He saw Nārāyaṇa, the Supreme Lord, shining even above the brilliance of Maheśvara. Nārāyaṇa touched Brahmā with his finger and spoke: “For the protection of the worlds, the best among archers will be born.” Having said this, the blessed god took that fire into his hand. Thus, Maheśvara always honored that being as well. Then, at the end of the age, Brahmā addressed that fire: “Bhṛgu and Aṅgirās will indeed be your sons, without doubt.” By dividing that fire into two, the sacrifice of creation would take place. The two fires, united by Brahmā, were set in motion by his command. Therefore, the union within the womb of the śamī tree and the aśvattha tree is described there. From this, the son who is beneficial and excellent is called the fourth. Thus, the fifth mouth of Brahmā came into being. Whoever understands this supreme creation, the radiance of the gods, and whoever listens with faith to this account of Agni’s origin—which hints at the greatness of Paśupati—and recites it with devotion before the foremost of twice-born and the gods, such a person, deeply absorbed in the world, is greatly honored by the gods in the city of Śiva. O Vyāsa, what did Brahmā do there, and what expiation did he perform for those acts? What actions were done by Janārdana and by Śaṅkara, O sage? With excellent kuśa grass and kindling, as prescribed by Hari in former times, Nara and Nārāyaṇa reached the hermitage at Badarī. Meanwhile, the Lord of the gods, holding a skull in his hand, wandered this earth. The land was covered with various trees and creepers, adorned with many kinds of flowers. The air was fragrant with the scent of trees heavy with blossoms. There grew fruits, both ripe and unripe, endowed with many tastes and qualities. Withered leaves, grasses, dry wood, and fruits lay scattered about. The wind carried the fragrance of many clusters of flowers. There were green, glossy, unbroken leaves and hollows without blemish, healthy, well-formed trees here and there, and some wild in growth. The trees were covered with beautiful sprouts, mingled with the wind. Their tops, tossed by the breeze, touched one another. In some places, nāga trees were adorned with flowers, their “hair” entangled with swarming bees.