Sūta said: Formerly, O excellent sages, Brahmā created Sananda, Sanaka and Sanātana. By refraining from worldly activities they attained the Supreme Being. By his yogic accomplishment he created Marīci, Bhṛgu, Aṅgiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Dakṣa, Atri and Vasiṣṭha. These nine sons of Brahmā were the knowers of Brahman and excellent brahmins. They are known as expounders of brahman and were equal to Brahmā himself