Shloka 16
भार्गवसर्गः, ऋषिवंशाः, वह्नयः (अग्निवंशः), पितृसृष्टिः
तेषां तु संतताव् अन्ये चत्वारिंशच् च पञ्च च कथ्यन्ते वह्नयश् चैते पिता पुत्रत्रयं च यत्
teṣāṃ tu saṃtatāv anye catvāriṃśac ca pañca ca kathyante vahnayaś caite pitā putratrayaṃ ca yat
From their lineage, moreover, another forty-five are spoken of—these are the Fires (Vahnayas); and among them it is said there is a father together with a triad of sons—so runs the account.
Sage Parāśara (speaking to Maitreya)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: Enumeration of Agni-lineages and the classification of cosmic fires (vahnayas)
Teaching: Cosmological
Quality: authoritative
Creation Stage: Secondary
Concept: Multiplicity in the cosmos is presented as a traceable succession (saṃtati) with precise enumerations, reflecting an intelligible order.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Adopt systematic study and reflection—map causes and effects in one’s habits to cultivate clarity and steadiness.
Vishishtadvaita: Ordered plurality (many fires) coexists with an underlying unity of governance, supporting a non-dual reality qualified by real distinctions.
FAQs
This verse treats the Fires as a distinct, countable class within creation, emphasizing that cosmic functions (like fire) are organized through lineages and enumerations within Vishnu’s ordered universe.
Parāśara presents even elemental powers as structured progeny—numbered groups with internal relations (father and three sons)—showing creation as an intelligible hierarchy rather than a random emergence.
Though Vishnu is not named in the verse, the Purana’s framework implies these enumerated beings operate within the Supreme Reality’s (Vishnu’s) governance, reinforcing the doctrine of a divinely sustained cosmic order.