An Index to the Names in the Mahabharata, with Short Explanations and a Concordance to the Bombay and Calcutta Editions and P. C. Roy's Translation c5.s2.438.1

c5.s2.438.1

that the firmament or Space is infinite, and is peopled with systems upon systems of self-luminous bodies (devāḥ), etc. Bharadvāja asked why Brahmán is called the first-born and not the Lotus whence he sprang. Bhrgu's answer: The earth is that lotus, created to give rise to that form of Mānasa which became Brahmán; Sumeru, reaching up to heaven, became its pericarp (XII, 182). Bharadvāja asked how Brahmán, residing within Meru, created all things. Bhrgu said that Mānasa [in his form of Brahmán, PCR.] created by fiat of Will, first water, which is the life of all creatures; earth, etc., are transformations of water, and have been produced by the solidification of that element. Bharadvāja enquired after the manner and order of the creation of the several elements; Bhrgu explained that in very ancient times (the Brahmakalpa) Br.-r., assembled together, felt this very doubt, engaged in contemplation for 1,000 celestial years, and then heard a celestial voice saying: "Formerly there was only infinite Space . . . " (XII, 183). Asked by Bharadvāja, Bhrgu explained why only the five primal elements are called Bhūtas. Bharadvāja enquired why all the elements are not seen in the immobile objects. Bhrgu explained how all objects consist of all the five elements, but in each the proportions are different; as example he adduced the trees, which he showed to be not inanimate, etc.; through the breath called Prāṇa living creatures are enabled to move;