dition amongst learned Brahmanas that this fire is the ruler and
inner soul of all creatures. He is worshipful, resplendent and the lord
of all the great _Bhutas_ here. And that fire, under the name of
Grihapati, is ever worshipped at all sacrifices and conveys all the
oblations that are made in this world. That great son of Swaha--the
great Adbhuta fire is the soul of the waters and the prince and regent
of the sky and the lord of everything great. His (son), the Bharata
fire, consumes the dead bodies of all creatures. His first Kratu is
known as Niyata at the performance of the _Agnishtoma_ sacrifice. That
powerful prime fire (_Swaha_) is always missed by the gods, because when
he sees Niyata approaching him he hides himself in the sea from fear of
contamination. Searching for him in every direction, the gods could not
(once) find him out and on beholding Atharvan the fire said to him, "O
valiant being, do thou carry the oblations for the gods! I am disabled
from want of strength. Attaining the state of the red-eyed fire, do thou
condescend to do me this favour!" Having thus advised Atharvan, the fire
went away to some other place. But his place of concealment was divulged
by the finny tribe. Upon them the fire pronounced this curse in anger,
"You shall be the food of all creatures in various ways." And then that
carrier of oblations spoke unto _Atharvan_ (as before). Though entreated
by the gods, he did not agree to continue carrying their oblations. He
then became insensible and instantly gave up the ghost. And leaving his
material body, he entered into the bowels of the earth. Coming into
contact with the earth, he created the different metals. Force and scent
arose from his pus; the _Deodar_ pine from his bones; glass from his
phlegm; the _Marakata_ jewel from his bile; and the black iron from his
liver. And all the world has been embellished with these three
substances (wood, stone and iron). The clouds were made from his nails,
and corals from his veins. And, O king, various other metals were
produced from his body. Thus leaving his material body, he remained
absorbed in (spiritual) meditation. He was roused by the penance of
Bhrigu and Angiras. The powerful fire thus gratified with penance,
blazed forth intensely. But on beholding the _Rishi_ (Atharvan), he
again sought his watery refuge. At this extinction of the fire, the
whole world was frightened, and sought the protection of Atharvan, and
the gods and others