Krishjan

Chapter 2 — Second Chapter

Aitareya

5 Shloka • Translation Only

These deities, having thus been created, fell into the great cosmic ocean. Then hunger and thirst overtook them. They said to Him: “Provide for us a dwelling place in which we may become established and partake of food.”

He brought forth a cow for them. But they said: “This is not sufficient for us.” Then He brought forth a horse for them. Again they said: “This too is not sufficient for us.”

Then He brought forth a human being (Puruṣa) for them. They exclaimed: “Indeed, this is well made!” For truly, the human being is the most perfectly fashioned creation. He then said to them: “Enter into your respective abodes.”

Agni, becoming speech, entered the mouth. Vāyu, becoming Prāṇa, entered the nostrils. Āditya (the Sun), becoming sight, entered the eyes. The directions, becoming hearing, entered the ears. The herbs and trees, becoming hair, entered the skin. Candra (the Moon), becoming the mind, entered the heart. Mṛtyu (Death), becoming Apāna, entered the navel. And the waters, becoming seed (Retas), entered the generative organ.

Then Hunger and Thirst said to Him: “Provide a place for us as well.” He replied: “I assign you a share among these very deities. I make you partners with them.” Therefore, whenever an offering is made to any deity, hunger and thirst also receive their share in that offering.