Shloka 19

Matsya Purana — Brahmā’s Four Faces

Devanagari script

श्रोत्रं त्वक् चक्षुषी जिह्वा नासिका च यथाक्रमम् पायूपस्थं हस्तपादं वाक्क चेन्द्रियसंग्रहः //

Transliteration

śrotraṃ tvak cakṣuṣī jihvā nāsikā ca yathākramam pāyūpasthaṃ hastapādaṃ vākka cendriyasaṃgrahaḥ //

Translation

In due order are the ear, the skin, the two eyes, the tongue, and the nose; likewise the anus and the generative organ, the hands and the feet, and speech—this is the complete grouping of the faculties (indriyas).

Word by Word

• श्रोत्रम् (śrotram): ear/hearing

• त्वक् (tvak): skin/touch

• चक्षुषी (cakṣuṣī): the two eyes/sight

• जिह्वा (jihvā): tongue/taste

• नासिका (nāsikā): nose/smell

• च (ca): and

• यथाक्रमम् (yathākramam): in proper sequence

• पायू (pāyū): anus/excretory organ

• उपस्थम् (upastham): generative organ/sexual organ

• हस्त (hasta): hand

• पादम् (pādam): foot

• वाक् (vāk): speech

• च (ca): and

• इन्द्रिय-संग्रहः (indriya-saṃgrahaḥ): collection/summary of the sense and action faculties

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) summarizing the teaching tradition of the Matsya Purana

Entities Mentioned

• Indriyas

Tags

• Creation
• Cosmology
• Indriya
• Sankhya-like enumeration
• Dharma

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purana’s cosmological framework by listing the functional faculties (indriyas) that constitute embodied life—components that are withdrawn or dissolved when creation is reabsorbed at pralaya.

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

By identifying the senses, organs of action, and speech, it implies the ethical discipline central to dharma: restraint of the senses, purity of conduct, and truthful, measured speech—essential for both royal governance and household life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated; ritually, the verse functions as a doctrinal basis for sense-restraint and purity (especially speech and bodily organs), which underpins eligibility and correctness in worship and sacrificial conduct.