In the beginning, Brahma, the creator, brought forth his mind-born sons, each with a unique origin and purpose. Among them was Atri, whose name means “I am the third.” Pulastya emerged from Brahma’s sharp hair, forever remembered for this distinctive birth, while Pulaha arose from his long hair. Vasuman, who dwells upon the earth, was born from the midst of the Vasus. Vasiṣṭha, revered by those who know the truth and by speakers of Brahman, joined these ranks. Thus, these six great seers—Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, Vasuman, Vasiṣṭha, and others—were the mind-born sons of Brahma. These illustrious sages, progenitors of the world, increased the multitude of creatures, earning the title “lords of creation.” From them arose other ancestors, renowned throughout the worlds, forming seven distinguished groups of seers. Their lineages—those of Marīci, Bhṛgu, Aṅgiras, Paulastyas, Paulahas, Vāsiṣṭhas, and Ātreyas—became famous, celebrated across all realms. Long ago, these ancestors possessed three remarkable qualities: they were unprecedented, radiant, and luminous. Among them, Yama, the god of death, was king, restraining those with faults through the Yamas. The other lords of beings, whose names are to be heard with reverence, included Kardama, Kaśyapa, Śeṣa, Vikrānta, Suśruvas, Bahuputra, Kumāra, Vivasvān, and Śuciśravā. Pracetas, Ariṣṭanemi, Bahulasva, Prajāpati, and many more also became lords of progeny. The Vālakhilyas, exalted sages, were born from the tips of Kuśa grass. Swift as thought, all-pervading, they became sovereign over the earth. The Vaikhānasa sages, esteemed among the Brahmarṣis, were born from ashes that dispel impurity, devoted to austerity and sacred knowledge. From Brahma’s streams were born the Aśvins, twins equal in form, whose birth was pure and arose from his eyes. The eldest lords of beings were born from Brahma’s streams, seers from his hair follicles, and others from the impurities of sweat. Time itself was born from him: months, harsh in nature; fortnights as their junctions; years, days, and nights, with the father being the harsh light. That which is fierce is called red, and red is considered gold; this is known as friendly, and smoke is said to be the animals. His flames became the Rudras, and likewise the Ādityas were born. From the embers arose divine and human lights. Brahmā, born from Brahman, became the first of the world of mind, known as the fulfiller of all desires. There, a maiden is mentioned, and Brahmā, teacher of the gods, was pleased with the thirty-three gods, who would generate all creatures. By Brahma’s favor, all the lords of beings and ascetics sustained the worlds and their rites from the very beginning. He caused pairs to grow, increasing brilliance among the gods, the knowers of the Veda, and the royal sages. All were devoted to Vedic mantras, endowed with the qualities of the lords of beings, upholding the infinite Brahman, truth, and supreme austerity upon earth. Indeed, all beings—Brahma, the brahmins, and all the worlds, moving and unmoving—are his progeny. Having first created Marici, along with the gods and sages, Brahma contemplated offspring, desiring progeny. In that sacrifice, the gods and sages, born of this lineage, became lords of their respective places and times. Yet, they did not establish beings in the same form; from the beginning to the end of the age, they established creatures anew. Then, the teacher of the worlds spoke, considering the highest truth: “O gods, having deliberated, you were created by me, without doubt. These great sages are again born from your lineage.” Of these, the lineage of Bhṛgu, the ancient great soul, is recounted in detail, beginning with the first progenitor. Bhṛgu’s noble and auspicious wife was the renowned divine daughter of Hiranyakashipu, Paulomi, the beautiful daughter of Puloman. From Bhṛgu, Paulomi gave birth to Kavi, foremost among those who know the Vedas, the teacher of gods and asuras, known also as Shukra, the planet and son of Kavi. Shukra, also called Ushanas and Kavi, married Angi, the illustrious mind-born daughter of the Pitrs, drinkers of soma. Angi bore Shukra four sons, and endowed with Brahma’s radiance, Shukra became foremost among knowers of Brahman. The four sons born to Shukra and Angi were Tvashtri, Varutri, Shanda, and Marka, each shining like the sun and powerful like Brahma. Varutri’s sons—Ranjana, Prithu, Ashmi, and the wise Brihadgira—were devoted to Brahman and worshippers of the gods. For the destruction of unrighteous sacrifice, they approached Manu and engaged him. Seeing dharma being cast aside, Indra spoke to Manu: “With these very ones, I will indeed cause you to perform the sacrifice.” Upon hearing Indra’s words, they departed. When they vanished, Indra freed the wives and the mind of Dharma from captivity, then pursued her. The ascetics, striving for Indra’s destruction, arrived once more, and Indra struck down the wicked. He then slept on the southern side of the altar of the god of gods. As the sons of Varutri were devoured by sala-wolves, their heads fell, and from them date-palms arose. Thus, the sons of Varutri were slain by Indra during the sacrifice, and Devayani became the daughter of Shukra.