Brahma

Thus requested, “Tell (us) its greatness,” Sūta spoke to those sages. Sūta said: “Formerly, concerning this very matter, Sanaka questioned the four-faced Brahmā.”

Nandikeśvara said: Then Pitāmaha (Brahmā), pursuing that pillar made of light, sprang upward with force into the unsupported expanse of the sky.

Brahmā said: “O God of gods, by whom can your sovereignty truly be known? Without your grace—so difficult to obtain except through devoted unity (with you)—it cannot be realized.”

Brahmā said: Having thus heard the words of those devas, Nandīkeśvara—filled with supreme compassion—began to make a humble submission to Śambhu (Lord Śiva).

Brahmā said: Hearing this, Mahādeva—well-versed in the knowledge of Yoga—though free from desire, did not abandon conjugal union, out of regard for (and fear of displeasing) Pārvatī.

Brahmā said: O Nārada, listen—now I shall recount the sacred deeds of the Moon-crested Lord (Śiva): the divine account of Guha’s birth and the righteous slaying of the demon Tārakāsura.

Tell me this account—exactly as it happened, exactly as it was done—(as it occurred) among the Ābhīras and also by Brahmā; for my curiosity about this is great.

What were the shares (portions) in that sacrifice? What was the sacrificial substance, and what was the priestly fee (dakṣiṇā)? What was the altar, what were its dimensions, and how was it arranged there by Virañci (Brahmā)?

Bhīṣma said: “At what time did the Blessed Brahmā, the maker of the worlds, begin to perform sacrifice with the sacrificial rites? Please tell me.”

Through self-restraint, austerity, and disciplined observance, O king, the Pitāmaha (Brahmā) became pleased with them and, as a giver of boons, granted them boons.

“Thereupon, the great-souled Fire (Agni) was contemplated by the Self-born (Brahmā). Approaching Brahmā, he then spoke these words.”

They beheld Brahmā of immeasurable radiance, seated upon a lotus, first bringing forth the four Vedas, embodied in beautiful forms.