[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) › c5.121 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.121 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.121 - **Language:** English ### [c5.121](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.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.” - [Previous: c5.120](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.120) - [Next: c5.122](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.122) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) ## Linked texts (3) - [Brahmapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.brahma) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit - [Mahābhārata](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.mahabharata.vyasa) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit - [Harivaṃśa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.mahabharata.harivamsa) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.121](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.121) · Pramāṇa