[3.1] Brahman obtained the victory for the Devas. The Devas became elated by the victory of Brahman, and they thought, this victory is ours only, this greatness is ours only.

[3.2] Brahman perceived this and appeared to them. But they did not know it, and said: 'What sprite (yaksha) is this?'

[3.3] They said to Agni (fire): 'O Jātavedas, find out what sprite this is.' 'Yes,' he said.

[3.4] He ran toward it, and Brahman said to him: 'Who are you?' He replied: 'I am Agni, I am Jātavedas.'

[3.5] Brahman said: 'What power is in you?' Agni replied: 'I could burn all whatever there is on earth.'

[3.6] Brahman put a straw before him, saying: 'Burn this.' He went towards it with all his might, but he could not burn it. Then he returned thence and said: 'I could not find out what sprite this is.'

[3.7] Then they said to Vāyu (air): 'O Vāyu, find out what sprite this is.' 'Yes,' he said.

[3.8] He ran toward it, and Brahman said to him: 'Who are you?' He replied: 'I am Vāyu, I am Mātariśvan.'

[3.9] Brahman said: 'What power is in you?' Vāyu replied: 'I could take up all whatever there is on earth.'

[3.10] Brahman put a straw before him, saying: 'Take it up.' He went towards it with all his might, but he could not take it up. Then he returned thence and said: 'I could not find out what sprite this is.'

[3.11] Then they said to Indra: 'O Maghavan, find out what sprite this is.' He went towards it, but it disappeared from before him.

[3.12] Then in the same space (ether) he came towards a woman, highly adorned: it was Umā, the daughter of Himavat. He said to her: 'Who is that sprite?'