Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.2498.2

c4.2498.2

He had seminal discharge. Āditya (the Sun) took the earth on which the semen fell and threw it into the sacrificial ladle and with recitation of spells offered it in the sacrificial fire as if it was ghee. The powerful semen contained the three attributes of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. From the attribute of Rajas arose the living world which had activity as its purpose. Radiance is the quality of Sattva which entered the living and non-living world. It gives light to everything. It also gives the power of discrimination. From the semen offered in the fire, three sons with body and the attributes of demi-gods came out. The male who originated from the flame called 'Bharjana' became Aṅgiras. The male who originated from the burning coals became Kavi. Over and above these three radiances, other radiances also originated from the sacrificial fire. From the Marīcis (rays) of the fire Marici the father of Kaśyapa was born. From the Kuśa-grass spread on the floor of the hall of sacrifice, the Bālakhilyas were born. Atri also was born from the Kuśa-grass. The noble hermits called Vaikhānasas, who have grown powerful by penance and became the seat of all good qualities, were born from the sacrificial ashes. From the stream of fire which are the eyes of the sacrificial fire the handsome Aśvins were born. The rest of the Prajāpatis were born from the ears of the fire.