Markandeya said:—I have attained longevity by my father’s favour. For my devotion to my father, I attained great fame in the world in the days of yore (3). At the termination of the cycle extending over many thousand years, I carried on hard penances on the mount Sumeru (4). Thereupon one day I espied a huge car coming from the north of the mountain and lighting the heaven with its lustre (5). Therein, a vehicle in the midst of fire, I saw a person measuring a thumb effulgent like fire or the Sun. Saluting that lord with my head touching the ground I worshipped him, lying in the vehicle, with _arghya_ and water for washing feet. I asked that unthought-of (person). "How can I know thee, O lord (6–8)? Methinks thou hast originated from ascetic energy endued with the qualities of Nārāyana. Thou art the god of gods" (9). O Sinless one, that virtuous-souled one as if surprisingly said to me: "You have not practised well hard penances, so you cannot recognize me (10)." Within a moment he assumed another most excellent form, the like of which I had not seen before (11). Sanatkumar said:—"Know me as the first mind-begotten son of the all-powerful Brahmā. From ascetic energy I have been born with the essential characteristics of Nārāyana (12). I am that Sanatkumar who had been celebrated in the Vedas in the days of yore. O Bhārgava, may good betide you and what desire of yours shall I fulfill (13)? The other seven irrepressible sons of Brahmā are my younger brothers. Their families have been established (on this earth) (14). They are Kretu, Vasishtha, Pulaha, Pulastya, Atri, Angira, and the learned Marichi—the gods and Gandharvas worship them also. Those ascetics, worshipped of the gods and Dānavas, are upholding the three worlds (15). I am leading the life of a _Yatin_.²⁸ Having controlled my ownself and my passions I was born, O great Muni, and I am still living so. Know me as an unmarried person. And therefore I have obtained the appellation of Sanatkumar (16–17). Out of devotion to me, you have been carrying on hard penances to behold me. Therefore I have come to you, tell me what desire of yours I can fulfill" (18). On his saying this and commanded by that all-powerful deity who was pleased with me, I replied to that eternal god, O descendant of Bharata (19), O sinless one, I then accosted the ever-existent (deity) regarding the origin of the Pitris and the fruits of Srāddhas (20). O Bhishma, that foremost of gods has removed all my doubts. After holding conversation for many years that virtuous-souled deity said to me:—"O Brāhmana saint, I have been pleased (with your question), hear from me all in due order (21). O descendant of Bhrigu, Brahmā created all the gods, thinking that they would dedicate offerings to him. But leading aside they began to perform sacrifices in expectation of fruits (22). Then imprecated by Brahmā, the inhabitants of heaven lost all sense and consciousness. They could not