Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — Brahmā’s Four Faces

Devanagari script

*मनुर् उवाच चतुर्मुखत्वम् अगमत् कस्माल् लोकपितामहः कथं तु लोकान् असृजद् ब्रह्मा ब्रह्मविदां वरः //

Transliteration

*manur uvāca caturmukhatvam agamat kasmāl lokapitāmahaḥ kathaṃ tu lokān asṛjad brahmā brahmavidāṃ varaḥ //

Translation

Manu said: For what reason did the Grandfather of the worlds, Brahmā, attain four-facedness? And how did Brahmā—the foremost among the knowers of Brahman—create the worlds?

Word by Word

• manuḥ: Manu

• uvāca: said

• catur-mukhatvam: the state of having four faces

• agamat: attained/went to

• kasmāt: from what cause/why

• loka-pitāmahaḥ: the grandfather of the worlds (Brahmā)

• katham: how

• tu: indeed/and

• lokān: the worlds

• asṛjat: created

• brahmā: Brahmā

• brahma-vidām: among knowers of Brahman

• varaḥ: the best/foremost

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Brahmā
• Lokapitāmaha (Brahmā)

Tags

• Creation
• Cosmology
• Brahmā
• Sarga
• Puranic Dialogue

FAQs

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

It introduces a creation (sarga) inquiry: Manu asks the cause behind Brahmā’s four-faced form and the method by which Brahmā brings forth the worlds—setting up a cosmological explanation often framed against cycles of dissolution and re-creation.

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

By seeking the origins of cosmic order, Manu models the ideal ruler-householder: one who grounds dharma and governance in right knowledge of creation, hierarchy, and the divine source of law.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated in this verse; however, the topic of Brahmā’s four faces is later used in Purāṇic traditions to explain fourfold orientation and cosmic directions—concepts that underpin temple orientation and ritual space symbolism.