Being consumed by the illusory forest-fire the gods appeared before Soma lying on the dews. Having their lustre destroyed by the forest-fire and been consumed thereby the gods, stricken with grief and seeking refuge, communicated it to their king the holder of thunder-bolt. When the celestial soldiers were assailed by the illusion of Maya and consumed by the Dānavas, Varuna, commanded by the king of gods, thus said (20–22). Varuna said:—O king of gods, in the days of yore, the energetic Urva, the son of the Brāhmana saint Bhrigu, adorned with accomplishments like those of Brahmā, practised hard austerities. Like the eternal sun he assailed the whole world with his penances. The Brāhmana saints, with the gods and ascetics, appeared before him (23–24). The Dānava-king Hiranyakasipu communicated it to that highly energetic Rishi (25). The Brāhmana saints then addressed to him the following sacred words; "This family, of the Rishis, is about to be extinct now, since, you, being alone and having no issue, are not thinking of perpetuating your race. Adopting a life of celibacy you are practising these hard penances (26–27). Many familes of self-controlled Rishis, are on the verge of extinction on account of the absence of of any offspring. Only one body exists (28). If all these families disappear for want of descendants there is no chance of their being multiplied. You are the foremost of ascetics and are effulgent like Brahmā (29). Therefore think of multiplying your race and you yourself multiply yourself. Devote your great energy and produce your second body (30)." Thus addressed by the Rishis and having his mind agitated that self-controlled ascetic blamed them and said (31). "This had been laid down in the days of yore as the eternal duty of the Munis living in the forest on roots and following the religion of the Aryans (32). The well-practised vow of celibacy of the Brāhmanas, born from Brahmā, agitated even Brahmā himself. To officiate as priests, to teach and to accept fees are the three-fold duties of the Brāhmanas living as house-holders. To live in the forest is our duty who, (observing the vow of celibacy) live in hermitage (33-34). Practising hard penances and giving preference to chastity in thought, words and deeds, the Munis, living on water, those living on air, the Dantolukhalikas,¹⁵⁴ Ashmakuttas,¹⁵⁵ Dashanapās,¹⁵⁶ and Panchatapās,¹⁵⁷ attain to the most excellent state (35-96). Through this chastity in thought, words and deeds the Brāhmanas attain to their Brāhmanahood. The Brahmavādins, living in the most excellent region, have recorded this (37).