Shloka 21

Matsya Purana — Brahmā’s Four Faces

Devanagari script

मन एकादशं तेषां कर्मबुद्धिगुणान्वितम् इन्द्रियावयवाः सूक्ष्मास् तस्य मूर्तिं मनीषिणः //

Transliteration

mana ekādaśaṃ teṣāṃ karmabuddhiguṇānvitam indriyāvayavāḥ sūkṣmās tasya mūrtiṃ manīṣiṇaḥ //

Translation

Among them, the mind (manas) is the eleventh, endowed with activity, intelligence (buddhi), and the guṇas. The subtle sense-faculties and their parts are, the sages say, the very “form” (mūrti) of that subtle being.

Word by Word

• manas: mind

• ekādaśam: the eleventh

• teṣām: of them/among them

• karma: activity/action (operative function)

• buddhi: intellect/discriminative intelligence

• guṇa-anvitam: endowed with the guṇas (sattva, rajas, tamas)

• indriya: sense faculty/power

• avayavāḥ: parts/constituent elements

• sūkṣmāḥ: subtle (non-gross)

• tasya: of that/of him (the subtle being/body under discussion)

• mūrtim: form/embodiment

• manīṣiṇaḥ: sages/wise seers

• (iti): thus.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Manas
• Buddhi
• Guṇas
• Indriyas

Tags

• Creation
• Sāṃkhya-like Tattva
• Subtle Body
• Indriyas
• Guṇas

FAQs

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

It outlines the subtle constitution that persists beyond gross forms: mind (as the eleventh) together with subtle sense-faculties and guṇas constitutes the ‘form’ of the subtle being, implying what remains operative when gross elements withdraw in pralaya.

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

By identifying mind, intellect, and guṇas as the drivers of action, it grounds ethics in self-governance: a king or householder must discipline manas and buddhi so that rajas/tamas do not dominate conduct and decision-making.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is internal—successful worship and vrata depend on controlling the subtle instruments (mind, senses, guṇas) that shape intention (saṅkalpa) and purity of action.