according to markandeya purana, the brahmin "pravara" was given a magical ointment that allowed him to fly. but when he flew to the himalayas, the ointment was washed away from the bottoms of his feet keeping him from returning home to his wife. during this time, the nymph "varuthini" fell madly in love with him and begged the brahmin to stay with her forever. but eventually, he rejected her. he prayed to agni who returned him home safely.