Shloka 51

Matsya Purana — Description of Gomedaka and Puṣkara Dvīpas; the Lokāloka Boundary; Ocean Tide...

Devanagari script

दशाधिकं तथाकाशं वायोर्भूतान्यधारयत् भूतादिर्धारयन्व्योम तस्माद्दशगुणस्तु वै //

Transliteration

daśādhikaṃ tathākāśaṃ vāyorbhūtānyadhārayat bhūtādirdhārayanvyoma tasmāddaśaguṇastu vai //

Translation

Space (ākāśa) is likewise tenfold greater; it supports the beings/elements of air (vāyu). The primal source of the elements (bhūtādi), which upholds space itself, is therefore said to be ten times greater.

Word by Word

• daśādhikam: tenfold greater

• tathā: likewise/so too

• ākāśam: space/ether

• vāyoḥ: of air (vāyu)

• bhūtāni: beings/elements

• adhārayat: supports/holds up

• bhūtādiḥ: the primal source of the elements (elemental cause, often linked with ahaṅkāra/tanmātric principle)

• dhārayan: supporting/holding

• vyoma: sky/space

• tasmāt: therefore/from that

• daśa-guṇaḥ: ten times in measure

• tu: indeed

• vai: certainly.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, cosmological exposition style)

Entities Mentioned

• Ākāśa
• Vāyu
• Bhūtādi

Tags

• Cosmology
• Tattvas
• Elements
• Sāṅkhya-like measure
• Creation theory

FAQs

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

It presents a cosmological hierarchy of support and magnitude: air is supported by space, and space is supported by a subtler causal principle (bhūtādi), each described as tenfold greater—an idea often used to explain how the universe is structured and can be withdrawn back into subtler causes during pralaya.

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

Indirectly, it frames a worldview of ordered dependence—gross realities rest on subtler supports—encouraging rulers and householders to uphold “supporting causes” (dharma, discipline, proper rites) rather than focusing only on visible outcomes.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not a direct Vāstu rule, the verse’s emphasis on ākāśa (space) as a sustaining principle aligns with Vāstu and ritual thinking where controlled space (ākāśa/antarikṣa) and proportional measures are foundational for altar and temple layouts.