Shloka 69

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

सांसिद्धिकास्तदा वृत्ताः क्रमेण महदादयः महतो ऽसावहंकारस् तस्माद्भूतेन्द्रियाणि च //

Transliteration

sāṃsiddhikāstadā vṛttāḥ krameṇa mahadādayaḥ mahato 'sāvahaṃkāras tasmādbhūtendriyāṇi ca //

Translation

Then, in the order of manifestation, the innate (primordial) principles became active—beginning with Mahat and the rest. From Mahat arose Ahaṃkāra (the sense of “I”), and from that, the elements and the sense-faculties as well.

Word by Word

• सांसिद्धिकाः: innate/primordial (naturally accomplished) principles

• तदा: then

• वृत्ताः: became operative/arose as functions

• क्रमेण: in sequence

• महत्-आदयः: Mahat and the subsequent principles

• महतः: from Mahat

• असौ: this

• अहंकारः: ego-principle, I-sense

• तस्मात्: from that

• भूत-इन्द्रियाणि: the (gross/subtle) elements and the sense organs/faculties

• च: and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Mahat
• Ahaṃkāra
• Bhūtas
• Indriyas

Tags

• Creation
• Sankhya
• Tattvas
• Cosmogony
• Pralaya

FAQs

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

It outlines the re-manifestation sequence of principles: Mahat becomes active first, from which Ahaṃkāra arises, and from Ahaṃkāra the elements (bhūtas) and sense-faculties (indriyas) emerge—an account used to explain creation after dissolution.

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

By tracing senses and ego back to their cosmic origin, it supports the ethical teaching that rulers and householders must govern the indriyas and restrain ahaṃkāra—self-mastery being foundational for dharma and just conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu rule is stated, but the verse supplies the cosmological logic often invoked in ritual and temple thought: worship and consecration aim to harmonize the senses and ego with the elemental order (bhūtas) underlying the sacred space.