Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/219

 ( Sambhava Parva continued. )

Vaisampayana said, "Then Indra held a consultation with Narayana about the latter's decent on earth from heaven with all the gods according to their respective portions. And having commanded all the dwellers of heaven, Indra returned from the abode of Narayana. And the dwellers of heaven gradually became incarnate on Earth for the destruction of the Asuras and the welfare of the three worlds. And then, O tiger amongst kings, the celestials took their births, according as they pleased, in the lines of Brahmarshis and royal sages. And they slew the Danavas, Rakshasas, Gandharvas and Snakes, other man-eaters, and, indeed, many other creatures. And, O bull of the Bharata race, the Danavas and Rakshasas, Gandharvas and Snakes, could not slay the incarnate celestials even in their infancy, they were so strong!"

Janamejaya said, "I desire to hear, from the beginning, of the births of the gods, the Danavas, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras, men, Yakshas, and Rakshas. Therefore, it behoveth thee to tell me about the births of all creatures."

Vaisampayana said, "Indeed, I shall, having bowed down to the self-create, tell thee in detail the origin of the celestials and other creatures. It is known that Brahmā hath six spiritual sons, viz, Marichi, Atri, Angira, Pulastya, Pulaha, and Kratu. And Marichi's son is Kasyapa, and from Kasyapa have sprung these creatures. Unto Daksha (one of the Prajapatis) were born thirteen daughters of great good fortune. The daughters of Daksha are, O tiger among men and prince of the Bharata race, Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kala, Danayu, Sinhika, Krodha, Pradha, Viswa, Vinata, Kapila, Muni, and Kadru. The sons and grand-sons of these, gifted with great energy, have been infinite. From Aditi have sprung the twelve Adityas who are the lords of the universe. And, O Bharata, as they are according to their names, shall I recount them to thee. They are Dhata, Mitra, Aryama, Sakra, Varuna, Angsa, Vaga, Vivaswan, Pusha, Savita, Tashta, and Vishnu. The