Shloka 58

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

Devanagari script

भवन्त्यन्योन्यहीनानि परस्परसमाश्रयात् तथा ह्यालोक आकाशे भेदास्त्वन्तर्गतागताः //

Transliteration

bhavantyanyonyahīnāni parasparasamāśrayāt tathā hyāloka ākāśe bhedāstvantargatāgatāḥ //

Translation

Because they mutually depend upon one another, each becomes ‘incomplete’ when taken in isolation. So too, in the case of light and space, the distinctions are not absolute—those differences arise within them and pass back into them.

Word by Word

bhavantibecome/come to be

anyonya-hīnānilacking one another, incomplete in isolation

paraspara-samāśrayātdue to mutual dependence/support

tathālikewise/so

hiindeed

ālokein light/illumination

ākāśein space/ether

bhedāḥdistinctions/differences

tubut/indeed

antargata-āgatāḥentering within and emerging/returning within (arising internally and subsiding back)

Speaker

Likely Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu in a doctrinal passage)

Entities Mentioned

Akasha (Space/Ether)Aloka (Light/Illumination)

FAQs

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

It implies that apparent distinctions among principles are contingent and internal; during dissolution, differences subside back into their supporting reality rather than remaining independent absolutes.

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

It supports an ethics of relational duty: a king or householder should not act as if beings and roles are isolated, but uphold society through mutual support—seeing governance, charity, ritual, and livelihood as interdependent.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Indirectly, it reinforces a Vastu/ritual principle: space (ākāśa) and light (āloka) are foundational conditions; design and rites should respect their functional interdependence (orientation, openings, illumination), since ‘differences’ are contextual rather than absolute.