Sauti said: Thus being cursed by Bhrigu. Agni said in anger, “What do you mean, Brahmana, by this rashness that you have shown towards me.”

What transgression is committed by me, who tried to do justice and to speak the truth impartially? Being asked, I told the truth.

A witness, who being asked about a thing which he knows, says something else than what it (really) is, ruins his ancestors and descendants, both to the seventh generations.

He, who, knowing a thing full well, does not disclose what he knows when asked is undoubtedly tainted with sin.

I can also curse you, but Brahmanas are held in respect by me. Although, O Brahinana, these are known to you, I shall yet speak them to you. Please understand.

Having multiplied myself by Yoga power, I am present in many forms. (I am present) in the Agnihotra, Satras, rituals and in other sacrifices.

The Devas and Pitris are satisfied from the ghee that is offered in my flame, according to the ordinances of the Vedas.

The waters are all the Devas. Waters are the Pitris. The Devas have equal rights with the Pitris to perform the sacrifices, called Darsha and Paurnamasa. Darsha and Paurnamasa yajnas are performed for both Devas and Pitris.

Therefore the Devas are the Pitris and the Pitris are the Devas. They are worshipped as identical beings and they are also separately worshipped at Parvas (changes of the moon).

The Devas and the Pitris eat what is offered unto me. I am. therefore, called the mouth of the Devas and the Pitris.

At the new-moon the Pitris and at the fullmoon the Devas are fed through my mouth with the oblations are offered unto me. Being their mouths, how can I be the eater of all things?"

Sauti said: After reflecting for some time, Agni withdrew himself from all places in the world. (he withdrew himself) from the Agnihotra of the twice-born, yajnas, satras and from other ceremonies.

Without the fire being deprived of Oms and Vashats, of Svadhas and Svahas, all creatures became very much distressed.

Thereupon the Rishis went to the celestials in great anxiety and addressed 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.” Their celestials and the Rishis together having approached the great Brahma,

They told him all about the curse on Agni and consequent interruption of all ceremonies. They said, “O Mahabhaga, Agni has been cursed by Bhrigu for some reason.

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?”

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.

"You are the creater of all creatures, you are their destroyer, you preserve the three words, you are also the promoter of all sacrifices and ceremonies,

Therefore act in a way, so that world's ceremonies are not interrupted. O the eater of sacrificial ghee, being the Lord of all, how have you become so foolish?

You are always pure in the Universe, you are the stay of all creatures. You shall not be the eater of all things with all your body,

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 will also eat all things.

As all thing become pure, touched by the sunbeams, so will everything be pure that will be burnt in your flames. O Agni, you are the supreme energy, born of your own power. By that power, make the Rishi's curse true. Continue to receive your portion and that of the celestials offered into your mouth."

Sauti said: Agni then replied to the Grandfather, "Be it so" and he went away to obey the command of the Parameshthi (Supreme Lord).

The Rishis and the celestial also in great delight returned to the place whence they came. And the Rishis continued to perform their ceremonies and sacrifices as before.

The celestials in heaven and all creatures on earth were exceedingly rejoiced; and Agni too rejoiced, because he became free from the curse.

Thus in the days of yore, O possessor of the six attributes, was Agni cursed by Bhrigu, Such is the ancient history founded thereon, which contains the account of the destruction of Puloma, the Rakshasa and the birth of Chyavana.