This religion has been referred to in the Rigveda. The duties it enjoins are extremely difficult of observance. From the Rishi Suparna, this eternal religion was acquired, O foremost of men, by the wind god, that sustainer of the lives of all creatures in the universe. The god of wind communicated it to such Rishis as live upon the remnants of sacrificial offerings after feeding guests and others.
ऋग्वेदपाठपठितं व्रतमेतद्धि दुश्चरम्। सुपर्णाच्चाप्यधिगतो धर्म एष सनातनः॥ वायुना द्विपदां श्रेष्ठ कथितो जगदायुषा। वायोः सकाशात् प्राप्तश्च ऋषिभिर्विघसाशिभिः॥