Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — Brahmā’s Four Faces

Devanagari script

अहंकारश् च महतो जायते मानवर्धनः इन्द्रियाणि ततः पञ्च वक्ष्ये बुद्धिवशानि तु प्रादुर् भवन्ति चान्यानि तथा कर्मवशानि तु //

Transliteration

ahaṃkāraś ca mahato jāyate mānavardhanaḥ indriyāṇi tataḥ pañca vakṣye buddhivaśāni tu prādur bhavanti cānyāni tathā karmavaśāni tu //

Translation

O enhancer of mankind, from Mahat, the Great Principle, arises Ahaṅkāra, the sense of “I.” From that arise the five senses; I shall explain those governed by buddhi, the intellect. Other faculties also manifest, likewise those governed by karma, action.

Word by Word

• ahaṃkāraḥ: ego-principle, the sense of ‘I’

• ca: and

• mahataḥ: from Mahat (the Great Principle)

• jāyate: is born/arises

• mānavardhanaḥ: O one who increases mankind (address to Manu)

• indriyāṇi: sense-faculties

• tataḥ: from that

• pañca: five

• vakṣye: I shall explain

• buddhi-vaśāni: under the control of buddhi/intellect

• tu: indeed

• prādur bhavanti: come forth, manifest

• ca: and

• anyāni: others (additional faculties/categories)

• tathā: likewise

• karma-vaśāni: under the control of action/karma (organs of action)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Mahat
• Ahaṃkāra
• Buddhi
• Indriyas
• Karma

Tags

• Creation
• Sankhya
• Cosmology
• Tattvas
• Indriyas

FAQs

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

It outlines the creation-side evolution of principles: from Mahat arises Ahaṅkāra, and from Ahaṅkāra arise the sense faculties and action-governed faculties—key steps in the unfolding of the cosmos after dissolution.

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

By distinguishing intellect-governed and action-governed faculties, it implies ethical self-governance: a king or householder should restrain the senses through buddhi and direct actions (karma) toward dharma rather than impulse.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; however, the classification of faculties (buddhi-led vs karma-led) underlies ritual discipline—control of senses and regulated action are prerequisites for effective rites and sacred craftsmanship.