In the ancient days, there lived the venerable sage Paulastya, a Brahmarṣi, renowned for his wisdom and born as the son of Prīti. His descendants came to be known as the Paulastyas, and their lineage is fondly remembered in the era of the Svāyambhuva Manvantara. All the Paulastyas were resplendent, their brilliance likened to the sacred Tretā fire, and their fame shone brightly across the worlds. Among these noble souls was the sage Kanakapīṭha, and with him, the auspicious maiden Pīvarī. Together, they had a son named Śaṅkhapada and a daughter, Kāmyā. Kāmyā, who found delight in the southern direction, was given in marriage to Priyavrata. Furthermore, there were twelve maidens, by whom the royal order was established and continued. Yaśodharā, another noblewoman, gave birth to Kāma, famed for her slender waist. Yet, among these descendants, none took spouse or bore children of their own; all were of ascetic origin, devoted to spiritual life. These ascetic souls are said to go before Aruṇa, ever surrounding the radiant sun. In this lineage, there were also two virtuous younger sisters, Satyavatī and Cate. From Urjā, the sage Vasiṣṭha had seven illustrious sons, who became known as the Vasiṣṭhas. Urjā herself became the beloved chief queen of Prāṇa, and was the mother of Dyutimat, Rakṣa, Gartta, Urdhābahu, Savana, and Pavana. From Ratnā, the illustrious sage Markandeya was born, and he in turn fathered Varangi. The lineages of these great-souled Vasiṣṭhas are remembered by their names, and thus the creation of the sages, along with their descendants, has been described. Now, listen further to the tale of divine origins. From the mind-born son of Brahmā was born Svāhā. From her came Nirmathya, Pavamāna, and Vaidyuta, each remembered as a distinct form of Agni, the fire god. Nirmathya, Pavamāna, Śuchi, and Saura are also known as forms of Agni, each with their own attributes. Kavyavāhana is said to be the son of Pavamāna. Among the gods, Agni is the sacred carrier of offerings, while among the ancestors, this role is taken by Kavyavāhana. Their sons and grandsons are said to number forty in all. The first son of Brahmā is the worldly Agni, known as Viśśrupta. His son was Vaiśvānara, who bore the offerings for a hundred years. Thereafter, Atharva, another worldly Agni, is remembered as Darpaha Atharvana, and from him came Dadhyanga Atharvana, who is revered as the Garhapatya fire. He is said to have two sons; the second son is Śuka, the fire that is led forth in ritual. Śaṃsi is praised as the fire that bears the oblation and desired the sixteen sacred rivers. Among these rivers are Kāverī, Kṛṣṇaveṇā, Narmadā, Yamunā, Vipāśā, Kauśikī, Śatadrū, and Sarayū, each distinctly apportioned as a sacred abode. In this way, the sixteenfold abodes were established. From these, the dhiṣṇī who moves among the Kṛttikās was born, and these are called dhiṣṇīs. Thus, the sons of the rivers were also born in the dhiṣṇīs in this manner. Now, hear in summary the names as they are rightly declared and arranged in their proper places, at the birth-rite, at the offering, and in due order. The sovereign fire, Kṛśānu, is the second and is placed within the altar. Pariṣat and Pavamāna are also named as the second, thus he is mentioned. Then the unswept fire, Havyavāhana, is manifest in the Śāmitra fire. Thus, the origins of the sages, the fires, and their descendants have been faithfully recounted, as they were revealed in the ancient scriptures.