Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 4
Lord Śiva Instructs the Pracetās (Śiva-stuti and the Path of Bhakti)
पावक: पवमानश्च शुचिरित्यग्नय: पुरा । वसिष्ठशापादुत्पन्ना: पुनर्योगगतिं गता: ॥ ४ ॥
pāvakaḥ pavamānaś ca śucir ity agnayaḥ purā vasiṣṭha-śāpād utpannāḥ punar yoga-gatiṁ gatāḥ
The three sons of Mahārāja Antardhāna were named Pāvaka, Pavamāna and Śuci. Formerly these three personalities were the demigods of fire, but due to the curse of the great sage Vasiṣṭha, they became the sons of Mahārāja Antardhāna. As such, they were as powerful as the fire-gods, and they attained the destination of mystic yoga power, being again situated as the demigods of fire.
In the Bhagavad-gītā (6.41-43) it is stated that one who falls down from yoga practice is elevated to the heavenly planets, and after enjoying the material facilities there he again comes down to the earthly planet and takes birth in a very rich family or a very pious brāhmaṇa family. Thus it is to be understood that when demigods fall down, they come to earth as sons of very rich and pious families. In such families, the living entity gets an opportunity to execute Kṛṣṇa consciousness and thereby gain promotion to his desired goal. The sons of Mahārāja Antardhāna had been the demigods in charge of fire, and they regained their former position and by mystic power returned to the heavenly planets.
FAQs
They are three personified sacred fires (agnis) mentioned in Canto 4, who are identified by name and associated with purification and ritual potency.
This verse states that their manifested condition was a result of Vasiṣṭha’s śāpa (curse), illustrating how even exalted beings may undergo karmic or providential consequences within the Purāṇic narrative.
Even after a fall or setback, sincere spiritual discipline (yoga—steady inner practice and devotion) can restore one’s higher direction and purity of purpose.