Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

नाभीबन्धनसम्भूतो ब्रह्मणो ऽव्यक्तजन्मनः पूर्वतः श्वेतवर्णस्तु ब्राह्मण्यं तस्य तेन वै //

Transliteration

nābhībandhanasambhūto brahmaṇo 'vyaktajanmanaḥ pūrvataḥ śvetavarṇastu brāhmaṇyaṃ tasya tena vai //

Translation

Born from the navel-bond of Brahmā, whose origin is unmanifest, there arose first one of white complexion; and by that very mark his Brahmin status is affirmed.

Word by Word

• nābhī-bandhana-sambhūtaḥ: arisen from the navel-connection (navel-bond)

• brahmaṇaḥ: of Brahmā

• avyaktajanmanaḥ: whose birth/origin is unmanifest (from the Avyakta)

• pūrvataḥ: first/earlier

• śveta-varṇaḥ: of white color/complexion

• tu: indeed

• brāhmaṇyam: Brahminhood, the Brahmin status

• tasya: of him/that one

• tena: by that (feature/reason)

• vai: certainly/indeed

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu, typical Matsya Purana dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmā
• Avyakta (the Unmanifest)
• Brāhmaṇa (Brahmin varṇa)

Tags

• Creation
• Varna
• Brahma
• Cosmogony
• Dharma

FAQs

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

It supports a creation (sarga) framework: Brahmā is described as arising from the Unmanifest (avyakta), and from that cosmic origin the first social classification (Brahminhood) is presented as emerging in sequence.

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

By grounding “brāhmaṇya” in primordial order, the verse underwrites the dharmic model where kings protect the social-religious functions of Brahmins (teaching, ritual guidance), and householders support them through prescribed duties like charity and hospitality.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-rule detail appears here; its ritual relevance is indirect—affirming Brahminhood as foundational to yajña/ritual transmission, which later chapters connect to correct rites and consecrations.