03.207
āṅgirasam – pertaining to or derived from Ṛṣi Angiras;
Vaiśampāyana said.
After hearing this auspicious story associated with dharma, Dharmarāja (Yudhiṣṭhira) once again questioned the sage Mārkaṇḍeya, the great ascetic. (3-207-1)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
How did Agni go into the forest, and how did Aṅgirā do so in former times? When the fire was lost, Agni, having assumed the form of a great sage, conveyed the oblation. (3-207-2)
O revered one, I wish to know about all this: how fire, though one, appears as many in its actions. (03-207-3)
And Kumara was born in the same way—he became the son from Agni, was born from Rudra, in the Ganga and among the Krittikas. (03-207-4)
O descendant of Bhṛgu, O great sage, filled with curiosity, I desire to hear this from you exactly as it truly is. (03-207-5)
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
Here too, they relate this ancient story: how, in anger, Fire went to the forest to perform austerities. (03-207-6)
Just as the Lord Agni himself became Angiras, burning with his own radiance and destroying darkness.
While residing in the hermitage, the greatly fortunate one, distinguishing the sacrificial fire, thus at that moment he illumined the entire world. (03-207-8)
Performing austerity, and the fire (Agni) scorched by his energy, he became greatly weakened; that radiant one did not become aware of anything. (03-207-9)
Then the venerable Agni thought to himself: 'Brahmā has indeed established another fire for the worlds here. My state as Agni has truly been lost; this is the austerity of my suffering.' (03-207-10)
Thinking, 'How might I become Agni again?', he, the great sage, saw a figure burning the worlds like Agni. (03-207-11)
He, afraid, approached slowly, and then Aṅgiras said to him: “Quickly, become fire again, you who are the benefactor of the worlds. You are known in the worlds among the three moving abodes.” (03-207-12)
O Agni, you are the first created by Brahmā, the remover of darkness; attain your own place quickly, O dispeller of darkness. (03-207-13)
Agni said.
In this world, my fame is lost; you, born as fire, people will know only as the purifier, and not me. (03-207-14)
I entrust the state of being Agni; you, Agni, become the first. I shall become the second, only as the one related to Prajāpati and. (03-207-15)
Angiras said.
Perform a meritorious act that brings progeny to heaven; O Agni, remover of darkness, make me, O god, your first son, in the right manner. (03-207-16)
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
Having heard Aṅgiras' words, Jātavedas did accordingly. O king, Bṛhaspati by name was also the son of Aṅgiras. (03-207-17)
O Bhārata, having recognized him, the eldest son of Agni and descendant of Aṅgiras, the gods went to him and asked the reason there. (03-207-18)
But he, having been questioned at that time by the gods, then spoke the reason. And the gods, along with Angiras, then accepted those words. (03-207-19)
Here I will explain the fires of various kinds and great splendour that are well-known through many rites, and the variety that exists among Brāhmaṇas here. (03-207-20)
