For this, O Brahmana, this direction is called east (Poorvi) for in the days of yore it was over-spread by the gods. Therefore it is said to be in the possession of the oldest inhabitants; in the east, were done all the acts by the gods who were desirous of obtaining happiness.
एतस्मात् कारणाद् ब्रह्मन् पूर्वेत्येषा दिगुच्यते। यस्मात् पूर्वतरे काले पूर्वमेवावृता सुरैः॥ अत एव च सर्वेषां पूर्वामाशां प्रचक्षते। पूर्वं सर्वाणि कार्याणि दैवानि सुखमीप्सता॥