Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c35.s2.34

v4.c35.s2.34

body and sacrificed it to the fire. From the flames there emanated the *rishi* Bhr̥igu (=fried in the fire). After the fire subsided, another *rishi* arose from the live charcoal (*angāra*) and was therefore called Āṅgiras. A third *rishi* was predicted to be born after the two former from the same fire and was called Atri; the name Atri is also capable of meaning not-three and hence that the number of *rishis* was not going to stop with three and that some more were to be born from the *kuṇḍa* (fire-pit). When the *agni* was removed and the *kuṇḍa* dug out a *rishi* came into existence from the place where the *kuṇḍa* stood. He was known as Vaikhānasa. The *Brahmāṇḍapurāṇa* gives a slightly different account of the birth of the *rishis*. Marīchi was born first; at the time of the *yāga* was born Kratu. A third came into existence saying *aham tritiya*, I am the third, and was hence known as Atri. Then again a fourth with thick hair was born and was called Pulastya; a fifth with flowing hair and called Pulaha was next born. From the heap of coins and other *dakshiṇas* (presents) placed in the *yāga-śālā* (sacrificial ground) was born another *rishi* and he was called Vasisṭhtha. All these were the mind-begotten sons of Brahmā and it is from these all other beings including the Pitr̥is were generated.