There was a forest known as Naimisharanya. The maharshis arranged for a yajna in this forest and the ceremony went on for twelve years. Naimisharanya forest was a wonderful place to arrange sacrifices in. Many sages came to attend the sacrifice that had been arranged in Naimisharanya. With them was Romaharshana (Lomaharshana) who was Veda Vyasa's disciple. Veda Vyasa had taught Romaharshana the knowledge of the Puranas. The requested Romaharshana to tell the stories of the Puranas. They asked him who created the universe, who is its preserver and who will destroy it.

Romaharshana replied that many years ago, Daksha and the other sages had asked Brahma these very questions. He has learnt about Brahma's replies from his guru Veda Vyasa and he passed on the knowledge to them as below.

In the beginning, there was water everywhere and the Brahman slept on this water in the form of Vishnu. Since water is called nara and since ayana means a bed, Vishnu is known as Narayana. In the water there emerged a golden egg. Brahma was born inside this egg. Since he created himself, he is called Swayambhu, born (bhu) by himself (swayam). For one whole year, Brahma lived inside the egg. He then split the egg into two and created heaven and the earth from the two parts of the egg. Skies, directions, time, language and senses were created in both heaven and earth. From the powers of his mind, Brahma gave birth to seven great sages. Their names were Marichi, Atri, Angira, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu and Vashishtha. Brahma also created the god Rudra and the sage Sanatkumara.