[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c3.6 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c3.6 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c3.6 - **Language:** English ### [c3.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c3.6) Between the times of the Sanhitā and of the Brāhmana the conception of a Supreme Being had become established. The Brāhmanas recognise one Great Being as the Soul of the Universe, and abound with philosophical speculations as to the work of creation and the origin of man. A golden egg was produced in the universal waters, from which in course of time came forth Prajāpati, the progenitor—or, the quiescent Universal Soul, Brahma, took a creative form as Brahmā the Prajāpati. From the Prajāpati, or great progenitor, there was produced a daughter, and by her he was the father of the human race. The explanations and details of this connection vary, but there is a general accord that the Prajāpati was the progenitor of all mankind by a female produced from himself. Before the times of the Brāhmanas some of the old myths of the hymns had crystallised, the personifications had become more distinct, and the ideas from which they had been developed had grown hazy or were quite forgotten. Philosophy speculated as to the origin of the world, theories were founded upon etymologies, and legends were invented to illustrate them. These speculations and illustrations in course of time hardened into shape, and became realities when the ideas which gave them birth were no longer remembered and understood. The priestly order had advanced in power, and had taken a more prominent and important position, but the Kshatriya or second class held a high place, and asserted something like an equality with the Brāhmans even in matters of learning. - [Previous: c3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c3.5) - [Next: c3.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c3.7) - [Up: c3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c3.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c3.6) · Pramāṇa