"Soota said, 'The God of fire (Agni) angry at the curse of (Maharishi) Bhrigu, thus addressed the Rishi, 'O Brahmana, What means this rashness that you have displayed towards me? What sin can be assigned to me who was working to do justice and speak the truth impartially? Being asked I gave the true answer. A witness who when questioned about a fact of which he has knowledge, if tells the fact in another way than actually it is, (he) ruins his ancestors and descendants both to the seventh generation. He, too, who, being fully knowledgeable of all the particulars of an affair, does not disclose what he knows, when asked, is undoubtedly stained with guilt.
'I can also curse you, but Brahmanas are held by me in high respect.
'Although these are known to you, O Brahmana (Maharishi Bhrigu), I will yet speak of them, so please listen! Having, by the power of Tapas, multiplied myself, I am (Agni is) present in various forms, in places of the daily homa, at yajnas extending for years, in places where holy rites are performed (such as marriage, etc.), and at other yajna. With the butter that is poured upon my flame according to the Shastras prescribed in the Vedas, Devas and Pitris (ancestors) are pleased. Devas are the waters; Pitris are also the waters. Devas have with the Pitris an equal right to the yajnas called Darshas and Purnamasas. Devas therefore are the Pitris and the Pitris, the Devas. They are identical beings, worshipped together and also separately at the changes of the moon. Devas and Pitris eat what is poured upon me (Agni). I am therefore called the mouth of Devas and Pitris. At the new moon the Pitris, and at the full moon the Devas, are fed through my mouth, eating of the clarified butter that is poured on me. As I am being their mouth, how am I to be an eater of all things (clean and unclean)?
"Then Agni, after thinking for a while, withdrew himself from all places; from places of the daily homa of Brahmanas, from all long-extending yajnas, from places of holy rites, and from other ceremonies. Without their Oms and Vashats, and deprived of their Swadhas and Swahas (yajnas mantras during offerings), the whole body of creatures became much distressed at the loss of their (yajna) Agni.
"The Rishis in great anxiety went to Devas and addressed them thus, 'O clean beings! The three regions of the universe are confused at the halt of their yajnas and ceremonies in consequence of the loss of Agni! Order what is to be done in this matter, so that there may be no loss of time.'
"Then the Rishis and Devas went together to the presence of (Lord) Brahma. They represented to Him all about the curse on Agni and the consequent interruption of all ceremonies. They said, 'O you greatly fortunate (Lord Brahma)! Once Agni has been cursed by (Maharishi) Bhrigu for some reason. Indeed, being the mouth of Devas and also the first who eats of what is offered in yajna, the eater also of the yajna butter, how will Agni be reduced to the condition of one who eats of all things without discrimination?'
"The creator of the universe (Lord Brahma) hearing these words of theirs summoned Agni to his presence. (Lord) Brahma addressed Agni, the creator of all and eternal as himself, in these gentle words, 'You (Agni) are the creator of the worlds and you are their destroyer! You preserve the three worlds and you are the promoter of all yajnas and ceremonies! Therefore behave yourself so that ceremonies be not interrupted. O you eater of the sacrificial butter, why do you act so foolishly, even though being the Lord of all? You alone are always pure in the universe and you are its stay! You shall not, with all your body, be reduced to the state of one who eats of all things without discrimination (both pure and impure things). O you of flames (Agni), the flame that is in your outer parts shall alone eat of all things alike. The body of yours which eats of flesh (being in the stomach of all carnivorous animals) shall also eat of all things without discrimination. As every thing touched by the Sun's rays becomes pure, so shall everything be pure that shall be burnt by your flames. O Agni, you are the supreme energy born of your own power. O Lord, then by that power of yours make the Rishi's (Bhrigu's) curse come true. Continue to receive your own portion and that of Devas, offered at your mouth.'
"Soota continued, 'Then Agni replied to the Pitamaha (Lord Brahma), 'So be it.' He then went away to obey the command of the supreme Lord (Brahma). Devas and Rishis also returned in delight to the place from where they had come. The Rishis began to perform as before their ceremonies and yajnas. Devas in heaven and all creatures of the world rejoiced exceedingly. Agni too rejoiced in that he was free from the prospect of sin.
"Thus, O possessor of the six attributes (Rishi Saunaka), had Agni been cursed in ancient days by (Maharishi) Bhrigu. Such is the ancient history connected with the destruction of the Rakshasa, Pauloma and the birth of Chyavana.'"
Thus ends the seventh section of the Pauloma Parva of the Adi Parva of the blessed Mahabharata.
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