Vaishampāyana said:—Formerly the Patriarch Anga, born in the race of Atri, and equally all-powerful like him, became the protector of religion (1). A highly impious son by name Vena was born to him. That Patriarch was begotten on Sunithā the daughter of Death (2). Imbibing the defect of his maternal grand-father, that son of Kāla’s daughter deviated from his own duties and preached freedom of conduct in the world (3). That king established an irreligious order and disregarding Vedic observances he engaged in impious actions (4). During his administration the study of the Vedas and the performance of the Vedic rites were suspended. And the celestials did not get Soma juice consecrated in Yajnas (5). Such was the dreadful promise of the Patriarch that no one would perform, even at the time of destruction, either Homa or Yajna (6). O foremost of Kurus, (he said) I am worthy of being adored, I am the agent of Yajna, I am identical with Yajna—you should dedicate all your Yajnas and Homas unto me (7). Beholding him thus transgress the order and partake unduly and unfairly of the sacrificial offerings the great Rishis, headed by Marichi, said (8):–"We shall enter upon the initiation ceremony for many long years—therefore do not act irreligiously, O Vena, for such is the eternal religion (9). After the death of Atri you have forsooth been born as a Patriarch. And you made the contract that you would govern the subjects" (10). After they had said this the wicked and ill-disposed Vena, laughing, said to all those great Rishis, the following evil words (11). Vena said "Who else will be the founder of religion? Whom shall I hear? Who else is superior to me on this earth in learning, energy, prowess, asceticism and truth (12)? All creatures and especially all forms of religion have originated from me. You are all stupid and void of consciousness and therefore you do not know me (13). If I wish I can burn down the earth or overflow it with water. I can obstruct the heaven and earth: there is no need of discussing it (14)". When the noble Rishis could not make Vena humble on account of his pride and egotism, they, worked up with anger, belaboured that highly powerful king and began to churn his left thigh (15–16). When the thigh of that king was thus churned there arose from it a greatly short and dark person (17). O Janamejaya, he stood there, stricken with fear and folding his arms. Beholding him thus possessed by fear Atri said to him "Nishida" _Sit down_ (18). O foremost of speakers, he became the originator of the race of Nishadas (hunters) and procreated the race of fishermen begotten of the sins of Vena (19). And Tukhāras, Tumuras and other races taking delight in impiety who live on the Vindhya mountain were also born of Vena (20). Thereupon, those high-souled Rishis, worked up with anger, began to churn the right arm of Vena like a piece of wood used for kindling fire (21). From that arm