A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.121

c5.121

ĀPAVA. ‘Who sports in the waters.’ A name of the same import as Nārāyana, and having a similar though not an identical application. According to the Brahma Purāna and the Hari-vansa, Āpava performed the office of the creator Brahmā, and divided himself into two parts, male and female, the former begetting offspring upon the latter. The result was the production of *Vishnu*, who created Virāj, who brought the first man into the world. According to the Mahā-bhārata, Āpava is a name of the Prajāpati Vasistha. The name of Āpava is of late introduction and has been vaguely used. Wilson says: “According to the commentator, the first stage was the creation of Āpava or Vasistha or Virāj by *Vishnu*, through the agency of Brahmā, and the next was that of the creation of Manu by Virāj.”