the Mahat Atma. It
is that Aniruddha who, becoming manifest, created the Grandsire Brahman.
Aniruddha is known by another name, viz., Ahankara (consciousness) and is
endued with every kind of energy. Earth, Wind, Space, Water, and Light
numbering the fifth, these are the five Mahabhutas (elements) that have
sprung from Ahankara. Having created the Mahabhutas (five in number), he
then created their attributes.[1845] Combining the Mahabhutas, he then
created diverse embodied Being. Listen to me as I recount them to you.
Marichi, Angiras, Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, the high-souled
Vasishtha, and the Self-born Manu, these should be known as the eight
Prakritis. Upon these rest all the worlds. Then the Grandsire of all the
world, viz., Brahman, created, for the fulfilment of all creatures, the
Vedas with all their branches, as also the Sacrifices with their limbs.
From these eight Prakritis have sprung this vast universe. Then sprang
Rudra from the principle of wrath, starting into life, he created ten
others that were like him. These eleven Rudras are called by name of
Vikara-Purushas. The Rudras, the (eight) Prakritis, and the several
celestial Rishis, having started into life, approached Brahman with the
object of upholding the universe and its operations. Addressing the
Grandsire, they said, 'We have been created, O holy one, by thee, O thou
of great puissance. Tell each of us, O Grandsire, the respective
jurisdiction we shall be vested with. What particular jurisdictions have
been created by thee for supervising the different affairs? We, each,
should be endued with what kind of consciousness and shall take charge of
which of these? Do thou ordain also unto each of us the measure of
strength that we are to have for discharging the duties of our respective
jurisdictions.' Thus addressed by them, the great god replied unto them
in the following way.

"'"Brahman said, 'You have done well, ye deities, in speaking to me of this
matter. Blessed be you all! I was thinking of this very subject that has
engaged your attention. How should the three worlds be upheld and kept
agoing? How should your strength and mine be utilized towards that end?
Let all of us, leaving this place, repair to that unmanifest and foremost
of Beings who is the witness of the world, for seeking his protection. He
will tell us what is for our good.' After this, those deities and Rishis,
with Brahman, proceeded to the northern shores of the Ocean of mi