Mahābhārata

M. N. Dutt: Vashishtha said Formerly I also heard this history, O Rama, called Brahmadarshana, about the achievement of the Grandfather Brahman who is at one with the Supreme Soul.

M. N. Dutt: To a sacrifice performed formerly by that foremost of gods, viz., the Lord of Rudra, O you of great power, who on that occasion had assumed the form of Varuna, there came the ascetics and all the celestials headed by Agni. There also came to that sacrifice all the sacrificial limbs (in their embodied forms), and the Mantra called Vashat in his embodied forin.

M. N. Dutt: All the Samans also and all the Yajushas, in thousands and in their embodied forms, came there. The Rig Veda also came there, adorned with the rules of orthoepy.

M. N. Dutt: The Lakshnanas, the Svaras, the stotras, the Niruktas, the Notes arranged in rows, and the syllable Om, as also Nigraha and Pragraha, all came there and lived in the eye of Mahadeva.

M. N. Dutt: The Vedas with the Upanishads, Vidya, and Savitri, as also, the Past, the Present, and the Future, all came there and were held by the illustrious Shiva.

M. N. Dutt: The powerful Lord of All then poured libations himself into his own self. Indeed, the holder of Pinaka caused that Sacrifice of multifarious form to look highly beautiful.

M. N. Dutt: He is Heaven, Sky, Earth, and the Welkin. He is called the Lord of the Earth. He is the Lord whose rule is acknowledged by all obstacles. He is gifted with Shree and He is at one with the God of Fire.

M. N. Dutt: That illustrious god is called by various names. He is Brahman, Shiva, Rudra, Varuna, Agni and Prajapati, He is the auspicious Lord of all creatures.

M. N. Dutt: Sacrifice, Penance, all the rites, the goddess Diksha burning with rigid observances, the several Points with the presiding deities, the consorts of all the deities, their daughters, and the celestials mothers, all came to Pashupati, O perpetuator of Bhrigu's race, together in a body.

M. N. Dutt: Seeing that sacrifice of the great Mahadeva who had assumed the form of Varuna, all of them became highly pleased. Seeing the celestial ladies of great beauty, the seed of Brahman came out and dropped upon the Earth.

M. N. Dutt: On account of the seed having fallen on the dust, the Sun took up that dust mixed with the particles of seed from the Earth with his hands and cast it into the sacrificial fire.

M. N. Dutt: Meanwhile, the sacrifice with the sacred fire of burning flames was commenced and it is went on. Brahman was pouring libations on the fire. While thus engaged, the Grandfather became worked up with desire.

M. N. Dutt: As soon as the seed came out, he took it up with the sacrificial ladle and poured it as a libation of clarified butter, O delighter of the Bhrigus with the necessary Mantras, on the burning fire.

M. N. Dutt: From that seed, Brahman of great power caused the four orders of creatures to come into being. That seed of the Grandfather was endued with the three qualities of Goodness, Darkness, and Ignorance. From that element in it which represented the quality of Goodness, sprang all mobile creatures gifted with the principle of action.

M. N. Dutt: From the element of Ignorance in it. sprang all immobile creatures. The quality of Goodness, however, which lived in that seed, entered both kinds of existence. That quality of Goodness is of the nature of Light. It is eternal and of it is unending Space.

M. N. Dutt: In all the creatures the quality of Goodness is present and is at one with that light which shows what is right and what is wrong. When the seed of Brahman was thus poured as a libation on that sacrificial fire, there came from it, O powerful one, three beings into existence.

M. N. Dutt: They were three male persons, gifted with bodies that partook of the nature of the circumstances from which they respectively originated. One arose first from the fire (called Bhrik) and hence he passed by the name of Bhrigu. A second came from the burning charcoals and hence he passed the name of Angirasa.

M. N. Dutt: The third originated from a heap of extinguished charcoals and he passed by the name of Kavi. It has been already said that the first came out with flames issuing from his body and hence he was called Bhrigu,

M. N. Dutt: From the rays of the sacrificial fire originated another called Marichi. From Marichi (afterwards) sprang Kashyapa. It has been already said that from the (burning) charcoals originated Angiras. The dwarf Rishis called Valikhillyas originated from the blades of Kusha grass spread out in that sacrifice.

M. N. Dutt: From the same blades of Kusha grass, O you of great power originated Atri. From the ashes of the fire originated the twiceborn Rishis, viz., the Vaikhanashas, endued with penances and given to Vedic learning and all of excellent qualities. From the eyes of Agni originated the twin Ashvins endued with great beauty. At last, from his ears, originated the Prajapatis. The Rishis originated the pores of Agni's body. From his sweat originated Chhandas, and from his strength originated Mind. Therefore Agni has been said to be all the celestials in his individual self, by Rishis endued with Vedic learning, guided by the authority of the Vedas. The pieces of wood that keep alive the flumes of Agni are considered as the Months. The juices the fuel yields form the Fortnights. . The liver of Agni is called the Day and Night, and his fierce light is called the Muhurtas, The blood of Agni is considered as the source of the Rudras. From his blood originated the goldhued celestials called the Maitradevatas. . From his smoke originated the Vasus. From his flames originated the Rudras as also the (twelve) Adityas of great effulgence. . The Planets and Constellations and other stars that have been set in their respective orbits in the sky, are considered as the (burning) charcoals of Agni.

M. N. Dutt: The first Creator of the universe declared Agni to be Supreme Brahma and Eternal, and the giver of all desires. This is indeed, a mystery, After all these births had taken place, Mahadeva who had assumed the form of Varuna (for his sacrifice) and who had Pavana for his soul, said, This excellent Sacrifice is minc. I am the Grahapati in it. The three beings that first originated from the sacrificial fire are mine! Forsooth, they should be considered as my children. Know this, you gods who range through the skies! They are the fruits of this Sacrifice.

M. N. Dutt: "Agni said, These children have originated from my limbs. They have all depended upon me as the cause of their being. They should, therefore, be considered as my children. Mahadeva in the form of Varuna has erred in this matter.

M. N. Dutt: After this, the Master of all the worlds, the Grandfather of all creatures, viz., Brahman, then said, These children are mine! The seed which I poured upon the sacrificial fire was mine.

M. N. Dutt: I am the performer of this Sacrifice. I poured on the sacrificial fire, the seed that came out of myself. He who has planted the seed always enjoys the fruit. The principal cause of these births is my seed.

M. N. Dutt: The celestial went to the Grandfather and having bowed their heads to him and jointed hands in respect, they said to him, All of us, O illustrious one, and the entire universe of mobile and immobilc creatures, are your offspring, O sire, let Agni of burning flames, and the illustrious and powerful Mahadeva who has, for this sacrifice, assumed the form of Varuna, have their wish. At these words, although bom of Brahman, the powerful Mahadeva in the form of Varuna, the king of all aquatic creatures received the firstborn one, viz., Bhrigu effulgent as the Sun, as his own child. The Grandfather then intended that Angirasa should become the son of Agni. Knowing the truth, the Grandfather then took Kavi as his own son. Busy with procreating creatures for peopling the Earth, Bhrigu who is considered as a Prajapati thence came to be called as Varuna's offspring.

M. N. Dutt: Gifted with every prosperity, Angirasa passed as the offspring of Agni, and the celebrated Kavi came to be known as the child of Brahman himself. Bhrigu and Angirasa, who had originated from the fire and the charcoals of Agni respectively, became the procreators of extensive races and tribes in the world,

M. N. Dutt: Indeed, these three, viz., Bhrigu and Angirasa and Kavi, considered as Prajapati, are the progenitors of many races and tribes. All are the children of these three. Know this, o powerful hero.

M. N. Dutt: Bhrigu beget seven sons all whom became equal to him in merits and qualities. Their names are Chyavana, Vajrashirshan, Suchi, Urva, Shukra, that giver of boons, Vibhu and Savana. These are the seven. They are children of Bhrigu and are hence Bhargavas. They are also called Varunas on account of their ancestor Bhrigu having been adopted by Mahadeva in the form of Varuna. You belong to the race of Bhrigu.

M. N. Dutt: Angirasa begot eight sons. They also are known as Varunas. Their names are Brihaspati, Utatthya, Payasya, Shanti, Dhira, Virupa, Samvarta, and Sudhanvan the eighth. These eight are considered also as the children of Agni. Freed from every evil, they are devoted to knowledge only.

M. N. Dutt: The sons of Kavi who was adopted by Brahman himself are also known as Varunas. Eight in number all of them became progenitors of races and tribes. Auspicious by nature, they all knew Brahma.

M. N. Dutt: The names of the eight sons of Kavi are Kavi, Kavya, Dhrishnu, Ushanas endued with great intelligence, Bhrigu, Viraja, Kashi, and Ugra knowing every duty.

M. N. Dutt: These are the eight sons of Kavi. By them the whole world has been peopled. They are all called Prajapatis, and they have procreated many offspring.

M. N. Dutt: Thus, O chief of Bhrigu's race, has the whole world been peopled with the children of Angirasa, and Kavi and Bhrigu,

M. N. Dutt: The powerful and supreme Lord Mahadeva in the form of Varuna which he had assumed for this sacrifice had first, О learned Brahmana, adopted both Kavi and Angirasa. Hence, these two are considered as of Varuna.

M. N. Dutt: After that the eater of sacrificial libations, viz., the god of fire, adopted of Angirasa. Hence, all the children of Angirasa are known as belonging to the race of Agni.

M. N. Dutt: The Grandfather Brahman was, formerly propitiated by all the deities who said to him, Let these lords of the universe save us all.

M. N. Dutt: Let all of them become progenitors of offspring. Let all of them become endued with penances. Through your favour, let all these rescue the world.

M. N. Dutt: Let them become procreators and extenders of races and tribes and let them increase your power. Let all of them become thorough masters of the Vedas and let them be performers of great deeds.

M. N. Dutt: Let all of them be friends to the divine cause. Indeed, let all of them become gifted with auspiciousness. Let become founders of extensive races and tribes and let them be great Rishis. Let all of them be gifted with great penances and let all of them be devoted to high celibacy'.

M. N. Dutt: All of us, as also all these, are your offspring, O you of great power. You, O Grandfather, are the Creator of both the celestials and the Brahmanas.

M. N. Dutt: Marichi is your first offspring. All these also that are called Bhargavas are your progeny. LoO king at this fact, O Grandfather, we shall all help and support one another.

M. N. Dutt: All these shall, thus, multiply their progeny and establish yourself at the beginning of each one after the universal destruction. Thus addressed by them, Brahman, the grandfather of all the worlds, said to them, So be it! I am pleased with you all! Having said so to the celestials, he proceeded to the place he had come from.

M. N. Dutt: This is what took place in days of your in that sacrifice of the great Mahadeva, that foremost, one of all the celestials, in the beginning of creation, when he for the purposes of his sacrifice had assumed the form of Varuna.

M. N. Dutt: Agni is Brahman. He is Pashupati. He is Sarva. He is Rudra. He is Prajapati. It is wellknown that gold is the offspring of Agni.

M. N. Dutt: When fire is not to be had, gold is used as a substitute. Guided by the marks of the auditions of the Veda, one who is conversant with authorities and who knows the identity of gold with fire, acts thus.

Corresponding verse not found in M. N. Dutt's version.

M. N. Dutt: Putting a piece of gold on some blades of Kusha grass spread out on the ground, the sacrificer pours libations upon it. If libations are poured upon also the pores of an anthill, upon the right ear of a goat, upon a piece of level earth, upon the waters of a Tirtha, or on the hand of a Brahmana, the illustrious god of fire becomes pleased and considers it as a source of his own advancement as also that of the celestials through his.

M. N. Dutt: Hence, it is that we have heard that all the celestials consider Agni as their refuge and are devoted to him. Agni originated from Brahman, and from, Agni originated gold.

M. N. Dutt: Hence, we have heard that those virtuous persons who make gifts of gold are considered as giving away all the deities.

M. N. Dutt: The man who makes gifts of gold acquires a very high end. Regions of burning effulgence are his. Indeed, O Bhargava, he becomes installed as the king of kings in the celestial region.

M. N. Dutt: That person who, at sunrise, makes a gift of gold according to the ordinance and with proper Mantras, succeeds in warding off the evils foreshadowed by ominous dreams.

M. N. Dutt: The man who, as soon as the Sun has risen, makes a gift of gold becomes purged of all his sins. He who makes a gift of gold at midday destroys all his future sins.

M. N. Dutt: He who, with controlled soul, makes a gift of gold at the second twilight succeeds in living with Brahman and the god of wind and Agni and Soma in their respective regions.

M. N. Dutt: Such a man acquires fame in regions of great happiness that belong to Indra himself. Acquiring great fame in this world also, and purged of all his sins, he sports on joy and happiness.

M. N. Dutt: Such a man acquires many other regions of happiness and becomes peerless for glory and fame. His course perfectly unobstructed he succeeds in going every where at will.

M. N. Dutt: He has never to fall down from the regions which he acquires, and the glory he attains to, becomes very great. Indeed, by making gifts of gold one acquires numberless regions of a happiness all of which he enjoys for good.

M. N. Dutt: That man who, having lighted a fire at sunrise, makes gifts of gold in view of the observance of a particular vow, succeeds in acquiring the fruition of all his desires.

M. N. Dutt: It has been said that gold is at one with Agni. The gift of gold, therefore, yields great happiness. The gift of gold leads to the possession of those merits and qualities that are desired, and purifies the heart.

M. N. Dutt: I have thus told you, O sinless one, the origin of gold. O you of power, know how Kartikeya grew up, O delighter of Bhrigu's race.

M. N. Dutt: After a long time Kartikeya grew up. He was then, O perpetuator of Bhrigu's race, chosen by all the celestials with Indra at their head, as the commanderinchief of the celestial forces.

M. N. Dutt: He killed the Daitya Taraka as also many other Asuras, at the command of the king of the celestials, O Brahmana, and moved also by the desire of benefiting all the worlds.

M. N. Dutt: I have also, O you of great power, described to you the merits of making gifts of gold. Do you, therefore, O foremost of all speakers, make gifts of gold.

M. N. Dutt: Bhishma said Thus addressed by Vashishtha, Jamadagni's son of great power then made gifts of gold to the Brahmanas and became cleansed of his sins.

M. N. Dutt: I have thus, told you, O king, everything about the merits of the gifts of gold and about its origin also, O Yudhishthira.

M. N. Dutt: Do you also, therefore, make profuse gift of gold to the Brahmanas. Indeed, O king, by making such gifts of gold, you will surely be purged of all you sins.

M. N. Dutt: Do you also, therefore, make profuse gift of gold to the Brahmanas. Indeed, O king, by making such gifts of gold, you will surely be purged of all you sins.