Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Cosmic Architecture of Sun–Moon and the ‘Houses of the Gods’

Devanagari script

चतुर्भूतावशिष्टे ऽस्मिन् ब्रह्मणा समधिष्ठिते स्वयम्भूर् भगवांस्तत्र लोकतत्त्वार्थसाधकः //

Transliteration

caturbhūtāvaśiṣṭe 'smin brahmaṇā samadhiṣṭhite svayambhūr bhagavāṃstatra lokatattvārthasādhakaḥ //

Translation

When that state remained as the residue of the four elements and was presided over by Brahmā, there the Self-born (Svayambhū), the Blessed Lord, brought forth the true principles of the worlds and their meaning—namely, their ordered reality.

Word by Word

• चतुर्भूत (caturbhūta): the four elements

• अवशिष्टे (avaśiṣṭe): remaining, left as a residue

• अस्मिन् (asmin): in this (state/condition)

• ब्रह्मणा (brahmaṇā): by Brahmā

• समधिष्ठिते (samadhiṣṭhite): presided over, governed, superintended

• स्वयम्भूः (svayambhūḥ): the Self-born (primeval creator principle)

• भगवān (bhagavān): the Blessed Lord, the divine one

• तत्र (tatra): there, in that context

• लोक (loka): worlds, realms

• तत्त्व (tattva): principles, realities

• अर्थ (artha): purpose, meaning, import

• साधकः (sādhakaḥ): accomplisher, establisher, one who brings about

Speaker

• Suta (narrative voice summarizing cosmological events; within the broader Matsya–Manu dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahma
• Svayambhu

Tags

• Sarga
• Cosmology
• Tattva
• Creation
• Elements

FAQs

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

It implies a post-dissolution or transitional cosmic condition where only the elemental residue remains, after which ordered creation proceeds under Brahmā’s presidency and the Self-born principle establishes the realities (tattvas) of the worlds.

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

Indirectly, it frames dharma as grounded in cosmic order: rulers and householders uphold stability by aligning conduct with the world’s established principles (tattva-artha), mirroring how creation itself is structured and governed.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; however, the emphasis on establishing “tattva” and “artha” supports the Vāstu idea that sacred building and rites should reflect cosmic principles and ordered realms (loka-krama).