Before creating any physical bodies out of the ingredients called the chief elements, Mahan or Brahma, endued with penances created four others called his sons. They are the fathers of the original fathers, O best of kings as we have heard.
चतुरश्चापरान् पुत्रान् देहात् पूर्वं महानृषिः। ते वै पितॄणां पितरः श्रूयन्ते राजसत्तम॥