Now the avataras starting with the Kumaras are described. Padmanabha, Garbhodakasayi, who carries out creation of the devatas and others through portions of his portion, Brahma, made his appearance in the Kumaras (kaumaram sargam asritah). Becoming brahmanas (brahma) they undertook vows of abstinence (brahmacaryam cacara). This means that they preached this by their conduct to the world. The words first, second, etc. are only enumerating the avataras and not indicating the exact chronology of the avataras’ appearances.