Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Origin of Soma

Devanagari script

अधः सुस्राव नेत्राभ्यां धाम तच्चाम्बुसम्भवम् दीपयन्विश्वमखिलं ज्योत्स्नया सचराचरम् //

Transliteration

adhaḥ susrāva netrābhyāṃ dhāma taccāmbusambhavam dīpayanviśvamakhilaṃ jyotsnayā sacarācaram //

Translation

Then, from below, a divine radiance flowed forth from the two eyes—born of the waters—and with its moonlike glow it illuminated the entire universe, all that moves and all that does not.

Word by Word

• adhaḥ: downward/from below

• susrāva: flowed forth/streamed out

• netrābhyām: from (the two) eyes

• dhāma: radiance/splendour/divine light

• tat: that

• ca: and

• ambu-sambhavam: born from water/water-origin

• dīpayan: illuminating/making shine

• viśvam: the universe

• akhilam: entire/without remainder

• jyotsnayā: by moonlight-like glow/radiance

• sa-cara-acaram: together with moving and unmoving beings (animate and inanimate).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrative voice summarizing the cosmic episode within the Matsya Purana’s pralaya–sṛṣṭi frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Divine radiance (Dhāma)
• Waters (Ambu)
• Universe (Viśva)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmogony
• Divine Light
• Srishti
• Puranic Imagery

FAQs

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

It uses classic pralaya–sṛṣṭi imagery: from the primordial waters arises a divine light that restores visibility and order, illuminating the whole cosmos (both animate and inanimate).

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

Indirectly, it presents illumination as a metaphor for dharma: just as divine radiance makes the world orderly and visible, a king or householder is expected to uphold clarity, protection, and moral order in society.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not giving a direct Vāstu rule, it foregrounds “light” (jyotsnā/dhāma) as auspicious—supporting ritual and temple contexts where illumination (dīpa, jyoti) symbolizes divine presence and the consecration of space.