(Sambhava Parva)

“Vaisampayana said, ’Then Indra had a consultation with Narayana about the latter’s descent on the earth from heaven with all the gods according to their respective parts.  And, having commanded all the dwellers in heaven, Indra returned from the abode of Narayana.  And the dwellers in heaven gradually became incarnate on earth for the destruction of the Asuras and for the welfare of the three worlds.  And then, O tiger among kings, the celestials had their births, according as they pleased, in the races of Brahmarshis and royal sages.  And they slew the Danavas, Rakshasas, Gandharvas and Snakes, other man-eaters, and many other creatures.  And, O bull in the Bharata race, the Danavas, Rakshasas and Gandharvas and Snakes, could not slay the incarnate celestials even in their infancy, so strong they were.’

“Janamejaya said, ’I desire to hear from the beginning of the births of the gods, the Danavas, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras, men, Yakshas and Rakshasas.  Therefore, it behoveth thee to tell me about the births of all creatures.’

“Vaisampayana said, ’Indeed, I shall, having bowed down to the Self-create, tell thee in detail the origin of the celestials and other creatures.  It is known that Brahman hath six spiritual sons, viz., Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha and Kratu.  And Marichi’s son is Kasyapa, and from Kasyapa have sprung these creatures.  Unto Daksha (one of the Prajapatis) were born thirteen daughters of great good fortune.  The daughters of Daksha are, O tiger among men and prince of the Bharata race, Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kala, Danayu, Sinhika, Krodha, Pradha, Viswa, Vinata, Kapila, Muni, and Kadru.  The sons and grandsons of these, gifted with great energy, are countless.  From Aditi have sprung the twelve Adityas who are the lords of the universe.  And, O Bharata, as they are according to their names, I shall recount them to thee.  They are Dhatri, Mitra, Aryaman, Sakra, Varuna, Ansa, Vaga, Vivaswat, Usha, Savitri, Tvashtri, and Vishnu.  The youngest, however, is superior to them all in merit.  Diti had one son called Hiranyakasipu.  And the illustrious Hiranyakasipu had five sons, all famous throughout the world.  The eldest of them all was Prahlada, the next was Sahradha; the third was Anuhrada; and after him were Sivi and Vashkala.  And, O Bharata, it is known everywhere that Prahlada had three sons.  They were Virochana, Kumbha, and Nikumbha.  And unto Virochana was born a son, Vali, of great prowess.  And the son of Vali is known to be the great Asura, Vana.  And blessed with good fortune, Vana was a follower of Rudra, and was known also by the name of Mahakala.  And Danu had forty sons, O Bharata!  The eldest of them all was Viprachitti of great fame Samvara, and Namuchi and Pauloman; Asiloman, and Kesi and Durjaya; Ayahsiras, Aswasiras, and the powerful Aswasanku; also Gaganamardhan, and Vegavat, and he called Ketumat; Swarbhanu, Aswa, Aswapati, Vrishaparvan,