Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 4 Chapter 1:56-66

Book 4: Chapter 1

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 4: Chapter 1: Verses 56-66 The Progeny of Swayambhuva Manus Daughters The gods said : Obeisance to that Supreme Person who manifested in His Self this universe created by His own Maya (delusive potency), even like the phenomenal appearances in the sky, and who has appeared today in the house of Dharma (the god of piety) in the yonder form of a sage in order to reveal that Self. May He whose true nature can only be inferred be pleased to look on us, the gods-who have been created by Him by means of Sattva (the principle of goodness and harmony) in order to put an end to any disturbance in the orderly existence of the world-with an eye full of compassion, an eye which outvies the shining lotus, which is the abode of beauty (or the home of Laksmi, the goddess of beauty). Thus extolled and honoured by the gods, who were blessed by Their sight, dear Vidura, the two divine sages (Nara and Narayana) left for the Gandhamadana mountain. It is those two part manifestations of Lord Sri Hari that appeared in this world, with a view to relieving the earth of its burden, in the person of Sri Krsna, the Ornament of the Yadus, and Arjuna (also known by the name of Krsna because of his swarthy complexion), the foremost of the Kurus. Swaha ( the spouse of the fire-god) bore three sons-Pavaka, Pavamana and Suci-all of whom are deities presiding over fire and partake of the sacrificial offerings. From these, again, sprang up fortly and finve other fire-gods. It is there (forty-five) together with their fatheres and grandfather (metioned in the preceding verse), that make the forty-nine fire-gods. these are the (forty-nine sacred) fires in whose names lstis (sacrifices on a small scale) intended for the propitiation of the fire-god are undertaken during Vedic sacrificial performances by men well-versed in the Vedas. The Agniswattas, the Barhisad, the saumyas and the Ajyapas-these are (the four main divisions of) the Pitrs (the eternal manes). They are either Sagnika (receiving) libations of water without such medium). Swadha, daughter of Daksa, is their common spouse. Swadha bore them a couple of daughters, Dharini and Vayuna, both of whom not only mastered the scriptures but also attained spiritual wisdom, and further taught such spiritual wisdom. Sati (Daksa's youngest daughter and) the Consort of Bhava (Lord Siva), was devoted to Lord Bhava, but did not get a son resembling her in good qualities and character. For, while yet very young, she dropped her body of her own accord by dint of Yoga (concentration of mind), in a spirit of indignation against her father (Daksa) on account of his antagonism against Lord Bhava, who had done him no wrong. Thus ends the first discourse, forming part of the Dialogue between Vidura and Maitreya, in Book Four of the great and glorious Bhagavata-Purana, otherwise known as the Paramahamsa-Samhita.