antras, on the blazing fire. From that seed,
Brahman of great energy caused the four orders of creatures to spring
into existence. That seed of the Grandsire was endued with the three
attributes of Sattwa, Rajas, and Tamas. From that element in it which
represented the principle of Rajas, sprang all mobile creatures endued
with the principle of Pravritti or action.[390] From the element of Tamas
in it, sprang all immobile creatures. The principle of Sattwa, however,
which dwelt in that seed, entered both kinds of existences. That
attribute of Sattwa is of the nature of Tejas or Light (being identical
with Buddhi or the Understanding). It is eternal and of it is unending
Space.[391] In all creatures the attribute of Sattwa is present and is
identical 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 sprang from it, O mighty one, three beings into
existence. They were three male persons, endued with bodies that partook
of the characters of the circumstances from which they respectively
sprang. One arose first from the flames of the fire (called Bhrig) and
hence he came to be called by the name of Bhrigu. A second came from the
burning charcoals (called Angara) and hence he came to be called by the
name of Angiras. The third sprang from a heap of extinguished charcoals
and he came to be called by the name of Kavi. It has been already said
that the first came out with flames emanating from his body and hence he
was called Bhrigu. From the rays of the sacrificial fire sprang another
called Marichi. From Marichi (afterwards) sprang Kasyapa. It has been
already said that from the (burning) charcoals sprang Angiras. The
(diminutive) Rishis called Valakhilyas sprang from the blades of Kusa
grass spread out in that sacrifice. From the same blades of Kula grass, O
thou of great puissance, sprang Atri. From the ashes of the fire sprang
all those that are numbered among the regenerate Rishis, viz., the
Vaikhanasas, endued with penances and devoted to Vedic lore and all
excellent accomplishments. From the eyes of Agni sprang the twin Aswins
endued with great beauty of person. At last, from his ears, sprang all
the Prajapatis. The Rishis sprang from the pores of Agni's body. From his
sweat sprang Chhandas, and from his strength sprang Mind. For this
reason, Agni has been said to be all the deities in his individual self,
by Rishis endued wi