Shloka 73

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

स महात्मा शरीरस्थस् तत्रैवेह प्रवर्तते महतस्तमसः पारे वैलक्षण्याद्विभाव्यते //

Transliteration

sa mahātmā śarīrasthas tatraiveha pravartate mahatastamasaḥ pāre vailakṣaṇyādvibhāvyate //

Translation

That Great Self (Mahātman), though abiding within the body, functions right here, in this very life. Yet, by virtue of its distinctness, it is discerned as existing beyond the vast darkness (tamas).

Word by Word

• saḥ: that

• mahātmā: Great Self / exalted soul

• śarīra-sthaḥ: situated in the body

• tatra eva iha: right there, here itself (in this very state)

• pravartate: operates, acts, continues

• mahataḥ tamasaḥ: of the great darkness (tamas, ignorance)

• pāre: on the far side, beyond

• vailakṣaṇyāt: due to distinctness / difference in characteristics

• vibhāvyate: is contemplated, is discerned, is understood

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within Matsya Purana’s liberation discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Mahātmā (Ātman)
• Tamas (ignorance/darkness)

Tags

• Moksha
• Atman
• Yoga
• Jnana
• Tamas

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it frames tamas (darkness/ignorance) as something to be transcended; the Self is known as beyond that “great darkness,” implying liberation is not bound by cosmic obscuration.

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

It supports right living with inner discernment: even while acting “in the body” and in worldly roles, one should recognize the Self as distinct from ignorance—guiding ethical, steady governance and disciplined household life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is inner contemplation (vibhāvyate) as a prerequisite for meaningful ritual—ritual without discernment remains within tamas.