eir oblations of
clarified butter. They do this only to spite the sacred fires carrying
oblations to the gods. If the officiating priests are careful, they place
the oblations in their honour outside of the sacrificial altar. To that
particular place where the sacred fire may be placed, they cannot go.
They carry the oblation of their votaries by means of wings. When
appeased by hymns, they do not frustrate the sacrificial rites.
Vrihaduktha, another son of Tapa, belongs to the Earth. He is worshipped
here in this world by pious men performing Agnihotra sacrifices. Of the
son of Tapa who is known as Rathantara, it is said by officiating priests
that the sacrificial oblation offered in his honour is offered to
Mitravinda. The celebrated Tapa was thus very happy with his sons."

SECTION CCXX

"Markandeya continued, 'The fire called Bharata was bound by severe rules
of asceticism. Pushtimati is another name of his fire; for when he is
satisfied he vouchsafes pushti (development) to all creatures, and for
this reason he is called Bharata (or the Cherisher). And that other fire,
by name Siva, is devoted to the worship of Sakti (the forces of the
presiding deity of the forces of Nature), and because he always relieves
the sufferings of all creatures afflicted with misery, he is called Siva
(the giver of good). And on the acquisition of great ascetic wealth by
Tapa, an intelligent son named Puranda was born to inherit the same.
Another son named Ushma was also born. This fire is observed in the
vapour of all matter. A third son Manu was born. He officiated as
Prajapati. The Brahmanas who are learned in the Vedas, then speak of the
exploits of the fire Sambhu. And after that the bright Avasathya fire of
great refulgence is spoken of by the Brahmanas. Tapa thus created the
five Urjaskara fires, all bright as gold. These all share the Soma drink
in sacrifices. The great sun-god when fatigued (after his day's labours)
is known as the Prasanta fire. He created the terrible Asuras and various
other creatures of the earth. Angiras, too created the Prajapati Bhanu,
the son of Tapa. He is also called Vrihadbhanu (the great Bhanu) by
Brahmanas learned in the Vedas. Bhanu married Supraja, and Brihadbhanu
the daughter of Surya (the sun-god). They gave birth to six sons; do thou
hear of their progeny. The fire who gives strength to the weak is called
Valada (or the giver of strength). He is the first son of Bhanu, and that
other fire