As mentioned in the Puranas, Prajapatis was the Progenitors of mankind. They were the seven mind-born sons of Brahma. The names of the Prajapatis were Bhrigu, Pulastya, Angiras, Marichi, Daksha, Atri, and Vasishtha. But according to Vishnu Purana there are nine Prajapatis and Pulaka and Kratu are added to the seven names. The Padma Purana substitutes Kardama for Vasishtha.

The Matsya agrees with Manu in adding Narada to the list. Others Puranas include Adharma, Ruchi, and Gautama. Altogether therefore there are seventeen instead of seven. The simple statement that the first Prajapatis sprang from the mind or will of Brahma has not contented the depraved taste of the mystics. Again in some of the Puranas they are derived from various parts of Brahma`s body.

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