Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 54
Sāṅkhya: Categories of the Absolute Truth and the Unfolding of Creation
Tattva-vicāra
निरभिद्यतास्य प्रथमं मुखं वाणी ततोऽभवत् । वाण्या वह्निरथो नासे प्राणोतो घ्राण एतयो: ॥ ५४ ॥
nirabhidyatāsya prathamaṁ mukhaṁ vāṇī tato ’bhavat vāṇyā vahnir atho nāse prāṇoto ghrāṇa etayoḥ
Zuerst erschien in Ihm der Mund; dann trat das Sprachorgan hervor, und mit ihm der Feuergott als die Gottheit, die dieses Organ beherrscht. Danach erschienen die beiden Nasenöffnungen; in ihnen zeigten sich der Geruchssinn sowie prāṇa, der Lebenshauch.
With the manifestation of speech, fire also became manifested, and with the manifestation of nostrils the vital air, the breathing process and the sense of smell also became manifested.
FAQs
In this verse, Kapila explains that when the cosmic mouth manifests, speech arises, and from speech the principle of fire (Agni) is generated.
He is teaching Sāṅkhya-tattva—how the elements, senses, and life-air unfold from the Supreme—so Devahūti can gain clear knowledge and progress toward liberation through devotion.
It encourages mindful use of speech and regulation of prāṇa (through disciplined living and devotion), recognizing the senses as sacred energies meant to be engaged in service to the Lord.