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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 11: Chapter 2: Verses 12-26
Heard of or talked about, dwelt upon, accepted with reverence or (even) approved (when practised by others), this righteous course purifies at once without doubt even those who are hostile to the deities, nay, to all creatures. I have been reminded by you today of the almighty Lord Narayana, who is most auspicious and whose name, when heard or sung, brings merit. In this connection the wise narrate the following ancient legend embodying a conversation between the sons of Rsabha and the high-souled Janaka (the king of the Videhas). Priyavrata, the well-known son of Swayambhuva Manu, had a son called Agnidhra-of whom was born Nabhi, whose son was known as Rsabha. The wise declare that Rsabha descended (on earth) for popularizing the cult (of renunciation) leading to Liberation, and that he had an element of Lord Vasudeva in him, He had a hundred sons, who were (all) well-versed in the Vedas. Of them the eldest son was Bharata. He was really a devotee of Lord Narayana. It is after him that this wonderful land (sub-continent) came to be known. After enjoying the pleasures of this world he renounced it and left his home and, worshipping Lord Hari through askesis for three (consecutive) births, finally attained His state. Out of those (ninety-nine younger brothers of Bharata), nine became the rulers of the nine Dwipas surrounding Bharatavarsa. And eighty-one became Brahmanas and authors of treatises on ritual acts, while (the remaining) nine became highly blessed sages. Having laboured in the domain of knowledge of Self, the latter propounded the highest truth and, living naked, became adepts in spiritual knowledge. Their names are: Kavi, Hari, Antariksa, Prabuddha, Pippalayana, Avirhotra, Drumila, Camasa, and Karabhajana. These sages beheld the universe, gross as well as subtle (the cause and its mutations) as identical with the Lord and without distinction from themselves, and wandered over the earth.They go wherever they like as their path is unobstructed. They freely range over the regions of the gods, Siddhas, Sadhyas, Gandharvas, Yaksas, men, Kinnaras, Nagas, ascetics, Caranas, Bhairavas, Vidyadharas, Brahmanas and cows. (Being liberated souls), they had no attachment for any place or beings. On one occasion they went of their own accord to attend a sacrificial performance of King Nimi, an enlightened soul, which was being conducted by Rsis in (that region of Jambudwipa called) Ajanabha (the old name of Bharatavarsa). O king (Pariksit), seeing those sages, effulgent like the sun and (so) earnestly devoted to the Lord, the sacrificer (Nimi), the (sacred) fires and the Brahmanas (who were performing the rites) all rose to welcome them. Knowing them to be (great) devotees of Lord Narayana, King Nimi felt (much) delighted (to see them). When they had been seated, he duly worshipped them in the order of their seniority.
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