A. Royden D'souza

Tamasa was born in the lineage of the first Manu, descended from Uttānapāda, the father of Dhruva. He was called Tāmasa, meaning “born under the shadow,” not because he was evil, but because he would rule an age where the light of Dharma would face deep and persistent obscurations.

Raivata was born in the ancient lineage of Priyavrata, son of the first Manu, Svāyambhuva. But unlike his forefathers, Raivata was not born in a hermitage or palace. He was born on a mountain peak, where the wind rang like a crystal bell.

Cākṣuṣa did not come from the line of Priyavrata, unlike the previous Manus. He came from the lineage of the Cakṣus, a race of semi-divine visionaries who were said to be born of the eye of Brahmā, hence the name.

Kardama Prajāpati was one of the mind-born sons (mānasaputra) of Brahmā, the Creator, born from his shadow (chāyā), intellect, or thought — depending on the Purāṇic version.

Vaivasvata Manu, also called Śrāddhadeva, is the seventh Manu, son of Vivasvān (Sūrya, the Sun God) and his wife Saṃjñā, daughter of Tvaṣṭṛ (the celestial craftsman). His name, Vaivasvata, literally means “son of Vivasvān.”