Shloka 9

Matsya Purana — Brahmā–Gāyatrī as a Divine Pair and the Early Genealogies of Creation

Devanagari script

यथातपो न रहितश् छायया दृश्यते क्वचित् गायत्री ब्रह्मणःपार्श्वं तथैव न विमुञ्चति //

Transliteration

yathātapo na rahitaś chāyayā dṛśyate kvacit gāyatrī brahmaṇaḥpārśvaṃ tathaiva na vimuñcati //

Translation

Just as the sun is never seen anywhere without its shadow, so too does Gāyatrī never leave the side of Brahmā.

Word by Word

• yathā: just as

• ātapaḥ: sunlight/heat (the sun’s radiance)

• na: not

• rahitaḥ: devoid/separate

• chāyayā: with (its) shadow

• dṛśyate: is seen

• kvacit: anywhere/ever

• gāyatrī: the Gāyatrī (mantra/personified goddess)

• brahmaṇaḥ: of Brahmā

• pārśvam: side/flank/companionship

• tathā eva: in the same way indeed

• na vimuñcati: does not abandon/does not leave

Speaker

• Suta (narrating the Matsya Purana account; doctrinal statement within the dialogue tradition)

Entities Mentioned

• Gayatri
• Brahma

Tags

• Gayatri
• Brahma
• Vedic mantra theology
• Puranic cosmology
• Devotional symbolism

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

Indirectly, it frames creation as powered by Brahmā together with his śakti—Gāyatrī—implying that cosmic origination is not merely an act of a deity but of an inseparable divine potency.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

It supports daily Gāyatrī-japa and Sandhyā practice: as Gāyatrī is bound to Brahmā (creative order), the householder sustains dharma and clarity of intellect by remaining ‘inseparably’ connected to Gāyatrī through disciplined recitation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it elevates Gāyatrī as a central mantra-shakti for worship and purification; while not a Vāstu rule, it underpins temple and domestic rites where Gāyatrī recitation consecrates actions and offerings.