who are versed in the science of enumeration. The _Ayana_, that has been mentioned before, is two-fold, northern and southern (17–18). When one Manu disappears his _Ayana_ is completed, and then another reigns. In this way when many a Manu rise and disappear one _Samvatsara_ of Brahmā is completed. His one _Samvatsara_ has been described by the truth-observing ascetics as consisting of one million of years (19–20). Brahmā’s one day is said to be tantamount to one Kalpa. The earth, with her mountains, woods, and forests, sinks into water in the night which is enumerated by the wise as extending over a thousand Yugas. O foremost of Bharatas, at the completion of that one thousand Yugas, Brahmā’s one day is completed and the termination of a Kalpa is said to be brought about. I have thus described to you the preceding seventy Yugas (21–23). Krita, Tretā and other Yugas are said to constitute one Manwantara. I have also described to you fourteen Manus, enhancing their (own) glory (24). O king, all these patriarchs were masters of the Vedas and Puranas. Even the chanting of their glories is crowned with success (25). At the termination of a Manwantara sets in the dissolution (of the universe) after which again begins the work of creation. Even with hundred years I cannot enumerate this period (26), O foremost of Bharatas, during these Man wantaras, the termination of the creation and destruction of creatures is brought about. This I have heard (27). At that time there exist the gods with gross and subtle elements and the seven Rishis, who carry on penances, lead a life of celibacy and are endued with the knowledge of scriptures (28). One _Kalpa_ terminates with the completion of a thousand Yugas. Then scorched by the rays of the sun, all the creatures, placing the lord Brahmā before them, and accompanied by the Adityas, approached the omnipotent lord Nārāyana, the foremost of gods, ever engaged in Yoga, the master of Yogins, unborn, eternal, the soul of all, who repeatedly engenders all creatures at various Kalpas. He is the unseen and eternal God to whom belongs the whole universe (29–31). Then there sets in night when all are converted into one ocean. They all sleep in the belly of Nārāyana for one thousand years of Brahmā (32). That extent of time goes by the name of night when the Grandfather (Brahmā) enters upon the Yoga of sleep (33). After the expiration of that night extending over a thousand Yugas awakes the Divine Brahmā, the Grand-father of all (34). Desirous of engendering progeny again he sets his mind on the work of creation. There comes into existence the same ancient recollection, the same character, the same energy for action, the same abode for the gods, but only a change in order of things takes place. O foremost of Bharatas, then are born again at the commencement of Yuga, the celestials saints, Yakshas, Gandharvas, Pishāchas, serpents and Rakshas, that had (before) been consumed by the rays of the sun (35–37).