Souti said: -
1. Thus being cursed by Brigu, Agni said in anger, what do you mean, O Brahmana, by this rashness that you have shown towards me?
2. What transgression is committed by me, who tried to do justice and to speak the truth impartially? Being asked, I told the truth.
3. A witness, who being asked about a thing which he knows, says something else than what it (really) is, rums his ancestor and descendants, both to the seventh generation.
4. He, who, knowing a thing full well, does not disclose what he knows when asked is undoubtedly tainted with sin.
5. I can also curse you, but Brahmanas are held in respect by me. Although, O Brahmana, these are known to you, I shall yet speak them to you. Please attend.
6. Having multiplied myself by Yoga power, I am present in many forms. (I am present) in the Agnihotra, Yoga, in Karma, and in other sacrifices.
7. The Devas and Pitris appear from the ghee that is poured in my flame, according to the ordinances of the Vedas.
8. The Devas are waters, the Pitris are also waters. The Devas have equal rights with the Pitris to perform the sacrifices, called Darsas and Purmamashas.
9. Therefore the Devas are the Pitris and the Pitris are the Devas. They are identical beings, and they are also separately worshipped at Parvas (changes of the moon).
10. The Dates and the Pitris eat what is poured upon me. I am, therefore, called the mouth of the Devas and the Pitris.
11. At the new-moon the Pitris, and at the full-moon the Devas are fed through my mouth with the ghee that is poured on me. Being their mouths, how can I be the eater of all things?
Souti said: -
12. After reflecting for some time, Agni withdrew himself from all places in the world. (He withdrew himself) from the Agnihotra of the twice born, from Yagma, from places of holy rites and from other ceremonies.
13. Being deprived of Oms and Vashats, of Swadhas and Swahas, all creatures became very much distressed for want of fire.
14-15. Thereupon the Rishis went to the celestials in great anxiety, and address¬ ed them thus, “O immaculate beings, the three worlds have been confounded at the cessation of their sacrifices and ceremonies for the loss of fire. Therefore, be pleased to do the needful. There should not be any loss of time.” The celestials and the Rishis then went together before the great Brahma.
16. They told him all about the curse on Agni and consequent interruption of all ceremonies. They said, “O Mahabhaga, Agni has been cursed by Brigu for some reason.
17. How is it possible for Agni, who is the mouth of the celestials, who eats the first part of what is offered in sacrifice, who eats also the sacrificial ghee to become the eater of everything promiscuously?
18. The creator of the world having heard all this, called Agni to his presence. He said to Agni, who is eternal like him and who is creator of all, in gentle words.
19. “You are the master of all creatures, you are their destroyer, you preserve the three worlds, you are also the promoter of all sacrifices ana ceremonies,
20. Therefore, act in a way, so that world’s ceremonies are not interrupted. O the eater of sacrificial ghee t you being the Lord of all, how have you become so foolish?
21. You are always pure in the Universe; you are the stay of all creatures. You shall not be the eater of all thing with all your body.
22. O Deity of flames, only the flames, that are in the vilest part of your body, will eat all things alike, and the part of your body which eats flesh will also eat all things. As all things become pure, touched by the sunbeams.
23. So will everything be pure that will be burnt in your flames. O Agni, you are the supreme energy, born of your own power.
24. By that power, make the Rishi’s curse true. Continue to receive your portion and that of the celestials offered into your mouth.”
Souti said: -
25. Agni then replied to the Grandfather, “Be it so” and he went away to obey the command of the Paramesti (Supreme Lord).
26. The Rishis and the celestials also in great delight returned to the place whence they went. And the Rishis continued to perform their ceremonies and sacrifices as before.
27. The celestials in heaven and all creatures on earth were exceedingly rejoiced; and Agni too was rejoiced, because he became free from the curse.
28. Thus in the days of yore, O possessor of the six attributes, was Agni cursed by Brigu. Such is the ancient history founded thereon, which contains the account of the destruction of Paulama and the birth of Chyavana.
Thus ends the seventh chapter, Paulama, in the Adi Parva.