Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Cosmic Creation: Emergence of the Great Elements and the Navel-Lotus

Devanagari script

यत्पृथिव्यां द्विजेन्द्राणां तपसा भावितात्मनाम् ज्ञानं वृष्टं तु विश्वार्थे योगिनां याति मुख्यताम् //

Transliteration

yatpṛthivyāṃ dvijendrāṇāṃ tapasā bhāvitātmanām jñānaṃ vṛṣṭaṃ tu viśvārthe yogināṃ yāti mukhyatām //

Translation

That knowledge which, upon the earth, is showered forth for the good of the world by the foremost of the twice-born—whose selves are refined by austerity—becomes the highest pursuit for yogins.

Word by Word

• yat: which/that

• pṛthivyām: on the earth

• dvijendrāṇām: of the best among the twice-born (brahmin sages)

• tapasā: by austerity/penance

• bhāvitātmanām: of those whose inner self is cultivated/purified

• jñānam: knowledge (spiritual insight)

• vṛṣṭam: rained down/showered forth (bestowed abundantly)

• tu: indeed

• viśvārthe: for the purpose/welfare of the world

• yoginām: for/of yogins

• yāti: goes/attains

• mukhyatām: primacy, highest status, chief importance.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Dvijendra (foremost twice-born sages)
• Yogins

Tags

• Jnana
• Yoga
• Tapas
• Dharma
• Sages

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it emphasizes how world-benefiting spiritual knowledge arises through tapas and becomes central to the yogic path.

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

It implies that rulers and householders should honor and support tapasvī sages and their teachings, since such knowledge is presented as being “for the welfare of the world” and guides right conduct (dharma).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the verse frames tapas-born jñāna as the highest priority, which can underwrite ritual purity and correct intention behind rites rather than technical architectural rules.