22 - The emergence of the names of the sons of Brahma 

Sauti said—After many kalpas, Brahma was again engaged in the creation work. Out of the neck of Brahma several sages were bom who were free from any curse. 

Because of that, out of those sages, one of them was named as Narada. 

The one who was bom out of the mind of Brahma was given the name of Pracheta, the one who emerged from the- right side of Brahma’s back, he was given the name of Daksha. 

In the Vedas the word Kardama has been used for shadow; therefore, from the shadow of Brahma a sage emerged who was given the name of Kardama. 

The word Maricha is used in the Vedas for the purpose of glamour; therefore, the sage who emerged out of the glamour of Brahma was given the name of Maricha. The child who had performed many yajnas in the earlier birth was given the name of Rutu when he was bom of Brahma. 

The son who emerged out of the face of Brahma was quite glorious and therefore he was given the name of Angira. О Saunaka, for the lustre the word Bhrugu has been used, therefore the child who was bom with lustre was given the name of Bhrugu: 

Inspite of being a child the one who was quite glorious and looked red like Aruna and because of his high tapas he started shining; he was therefore given the name of Aruni. 

The ascetic because of whose tapas the geese became subordinate to him, that illustrious boy was given the name of Hansi. 

The child which having emerged out of Brahma and became his pupil was known by the name of Vasistha. 

After being bom the child who was always engaged in tapas and who was involved in many actions was given the name of Yati, because of that. In the Vedas the word Pula has been used for performing tapas, therefore he was given the name of Pulaha. Pulaha is also known for a combination therefore the one who was combined in the earlier birth the child came to be known as Pulastya. 

The word Tri is used for all the three Bhuvanas of the world and the word is representative of Vishnu; therefore, the one who was equally sacred to both, was given the name of Atri. 

Because of the eternal glory the one who had five flames of fire over his head, came to be known as Panchasikha. The one who performed tapas in the region where there was no darkness, was given the name of Apantaratma. 

The one who himself became recluse and caused others to be like him and carried the land of tapas on his head was given the name of Vodhu. 

О sage, the child who was always engrossed in tapas and was always interested in the same, was given the name of Ruchi. Those eleven sages, who appeared from the anger of Brahma and started crying, were known by the name of Rudras.¹ 

1. Yad arodit tad rudrasya rudratvam (T.S. 1.5.1.1,) Vishnupurana also gives this etymology for Rudra 

Saunaka said—One of the eleven Rudras was given the name of Mahesha. Therefore, you tell me whether it is the same Mahesha or it represents some one else. I am in doubt; you therefore kindly remove my doubt. 

Sauti said—Because of the influence of Sattvaguna, Vishnu has been declared as the protector of the worlds. Because of the influence of Rajoguna, Brahma has been declared as the creator. Because of the influence of Tamoguna Rudra has been conceived to be the terrific one and the destroyer of the universe. 

One of the Rudras is known by the name of Kalagni-Rudra (Rudra of the time of dissolution). The one who is destroyer is the part of Sankara. Shiva has the pure Sattvaguna in him and he also bestows welfare on the people. 

The rest of the Rudras are merely of the race of lord Krishna he also bestows welfare on the people. 

The rest of the Rudras are merely of the race of lord Krishna, only Vishnu and Shiva are the complete parts of lord Krishna. Both of them are equally of the form of sattva. 

О Brahmana, I have narrated to you the story of the creation of Rudras earlier. Have you forgotten it? All are moving under the influence of the illusion of the lord; therefore, even thesages also developed doubts.

Out of the sons of Brahma, Saunaka happens to the first, Sananda the second, Sanatana the third and the fourth one is the lord the Sanat kumaras. О sage, Brahma had initially created them and asked them to engage themselves in the creation of the universe but they refused to do so which enraged Brahma and out of rage, the Rudras were bom. 

Both the boys Sanaka and Sananda represents the welfare; therefore, both of them always remain filled with devotion and spend their time joyfully. Therefore, they are known by the name

of Sanaka and Sananda. 

Lord Krishna himself has been eternal and complete in all respects, his devotee also becomes like him. Therefore, the third child was given the name of Sanatana.

The word Sanatana represents eternity and the word Kumara stands for a child. Therefore, Brahma gave the child, the name of Sanat kumara. 

О sage, thus have I narrated the names of all the sons of Brahma; now you listen to the story about Narada.