When the movement of beings is unhindered—whether upward, across, or downward—then, O children, why is it that you cannot perceive the end of the earth? So spoke the wise, and upon hearing these words, the sons set forth in every direction, never to return, just as rivers flow ceaselessly to the ocean. After the disappearance of his white-horsed sons, Daksha, son of Prachetas, once more, through Vairuni, begot a thousand sons. These sons, whose horses were mottled, were born with the desire to increase the world’s population. Yet, O Brahman, they neglected the earlier advice given by the sage Narada. Gathering amongst themselves, these brothers discussed their next steps. The great sage Narada again reminded them: “You must follow the path your brothers took before you; there can be no doubt about this.” The sons agreed among themselves, “Let us first measure the extent of the earth, and afterwards, we shall create offspring.” Thus, they too departed in all directions, never to return, just like rivers merging into the ocean. From that time, O twice-born, it became known that any brother who sets out in search of another brother meets the same end; therefore, one who understands this should refrain from such a quest. When Daksha realized that his sons were lost, he, the lord of creatures, was overcome with anger and cursed Narada. Still intent on creation, the wise Daksha, O Maitreya, then begot sixty daughters by Vairuni, as tradition recounts. He gave ten of his daughters to Dharma, thirteen to Kashyapa, twenty-seven to Soma, and four to Arishtanemi. Two daughters each were given to Bahuputra, Angiras, and the learned Krishashva. Hear now the names of Dharma’s ten wives: Arundhati, Vasu, Jami, Laghna, Bhanu, Marutvati, Sankalpa, Muhurta, Sadhya, and Vishva. From these unions came many divine beings: the Visvedevas from Vishva, the Sadhyas from Sadhya, the Maruts from Marutvati, and the Vasus from Vasu. Bhanu’s sons were known as the Bhanuvas, and Muhurta’s as the Muhurtajas. Laghna bore Ghosha, and Jami gave birth to Nagavithi. From Arundhati originated all things pertaining to the earth, while from Sankalpa, the universal soul, Sankalpa himself was born. Now, let me describe to you the eight Vasus, gods of many forms and lives, led by the light. They are: Water, Dhruva, Soma, Dharma, Anila, Anala, Pratyusha, and Prabhasa. The sons of Apa (Water) are Vaitanda, Shrama, Shanta, and Adhvani. Dhruva’s son is the illustrious Kala, who reveals the worlds. Soma’s son is the radiant Varco, source of brilliance. Dharma’s sons are Dravina and Hutahavyavaha; from Manohara were born Shishira, Prana, and Ravana. Anila’s wife is Shiva, and their two sons are Manojava and Avijnatagati. Agni’s son is Kumara, who was born from a cluster of reeds; his followers are Shakha, Vishakha, and Naigameya, who were born after him. The child of the Krittikas is known as Karttikeya. Pratyusha’s son is the sage Devala, who himself had two wise sons, Kshamavat and another. Bṛhaspati’s sister, a noble and celibate woman perfected in yoga, unattached, and a wanderer of the world, became the wife of Prabhasa, the eighth Vasu. From her was born Vishvakarma, the illustrious progenitor and master of a thousand arts, the divine architect. Vishvakarma is the maker of all ornaments, the foremost among artisans, the builder of the gods’ flying palaces, and humans, too, live by his great skill. Among the Rudras, Ajaikapada, Ahibudhnya, Tvashtri, and the mighty Rudra are remembered, and Tvashtri’s own son was Visvarupa, great in austerity. Hara, Bahurupa, Tryambaka, Aparajita, Vrishakapi, Shambhu, Kapardi, and Raivata are also named, as are Mrigavyadha, Sharva, and Kapali. These eleven are called the Rudras, lords of the three worlds. There are, indeed, a hundred and one Rudras of immeasurable might. Now, hear the names of Kashyapa’s wives: Aditi, Diti, Danu, Arishta, Surasa, and Khasa. Also, Surabhi, Vinata, Tamra, Krodhavasha, Ira, Kadru, and Muni. Listen now to their offspring. In the previous Manvantara, the twelve foremost gods were called the Tusitas. When the period of Cakshusha Manu was ending, all of them assembled and said, “Come quickly, O gods, let us enter Aditi and be born in the next Manvantara; may this be for our welfare.” Thus, during the reign of Cakshusha Manu, they were born from Aditi, daughter of Daksha, through Kashyapa, son of Marichi. In this way, Vishnu and Shakra were born again, as well as Aryaman, Dhatri, Tvashtri, and Pushan. Vivasvan, Savitri, Mitra, Varuna, Amsa, and Bhaga of great brilliance—these twelve are known as the Adityas. During the interval of the Cakshusha era, the Tusita gods were present; in the interval of Vaivasvata, these became the twelve Adityas. The twenty-seven wives of Soma, steadfast in virtue, are all associated with the stars and remembered by those names; their offspring were radiant, possessing immeasurable brilliance.