From this
syllable of speech (Saraswati) arose a Rishi of the name Saraswat. The
son, thus born of the Speech of Narayana, came to be, also called by the
name of Apantara-tamas. Endued with great puissance, he was fully
conversant with the past, the present, and the future. Firm in the
observance of vows, he was truthful in speech.[1911] Unto that Rishi who,
after birth, had bowed his head unto Narayana, the latter, who was the
original Creator of all the deities and possessed of a nature that was
immutable, said those words: Thou shouldst devote thy attention to the
distribution of the Vedas, O foremost of all persons endued with
intelligence.[1912] Do thou, therefore, O ascetic, accomplish what I
command thee.--In obedience to this command of the Supreme Lord from
whose Speech the Rishi Apantaratamas sprang into existence, the latter,
in the Kalpa named after the Self-born Manu, distributed and arranged the
Vedas. For that act of the Rishi, the illustrious Hari became gratified
with him, as also for his well-performed penances, his vow and
observances, and his restraint of the senses or passions. Addressing
him,--Narayana said,--At each Manwantara, O son, thou wilt act in this
way with respect to the Vedas. Thou shalt, in consequence of this act of
thine, be immutable, O regenerate one, and incapable of being transcended
by any one. When the Kali age will set in, certain princes of Bharata's
line, to be called by the name of Kauravas, will take their birth from
thee.
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