[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c8.523 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.523 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c8.523 - **Language:** English ### [c8.523](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.523) MANUṢYA (MAN) The Purāṇas have not given a definite explanation regarding the origin of Man, the most important of all living beings. Many stories regarding the origin of Man were current among the ancient people. According to Hindu Purāṇas Man was born of Svāyambhuva Manu who in turn was born of Brahmā. According to Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa (Sarga 14, Araṇya Kāṇḍa) all the living beings including man were born to Kaśyapaprajāpati of his eight wives, Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kālikā, Tāmrā, Krodhavaśā, Manu and Analā. From Aditi were born the devas; from Diti, the daityas; from Danu, the dānavas; from Kāli, the asuras Kālaka and Naraka; from Tāmrā, the bird-flock Krauñcī, Bhāsī, Śyenī, Dhṛtarāṣṭrī and Sukī; from Krodhavaśā the animal flock, Mṛgī, Mṛgamandā, Harī, Bhadramadā, Mātaṅgī, Śārdūlī, Śvetā and Surabhī; from Manu, mankind and from Analā, the flora. - [Previous: c8.522](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.522) - [Next: c8.524](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.524) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8) ## Cites (1) - [Vālmīkirāmāyaṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.ramayana.valmiki) — Vālmīki, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.523](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.523) · Pramāṇa