Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — Origins of Gods and Beings: Daksha’s Progeny

Devanagari script

ज्योतिष्मन्तस्तु ये देवा व्यापकाः सर्वतो दिशम् वसवस्ते समाख्यातास् तेषां सर्गं निबोधत //

Transliteration

jyotiṣmantastu ye devā vyāpakāḥ sarvato diśam vasavaste samākhyātās teṣāṃ sargaṃ nibodhata //

Translation

Those radiant gods who pervade all directions on every side are known as the Vasus; now understand the account of their creation and origin.

Word by Word

• jyotiṣmantaḥ: radiant, luminous

• tu: indeed/and

• ye: who

• devāḥ: gods, deities

• vyāpakāḥ: all-pervading, pervasive

• sarvataḥ: on all sides

• diśam: the directions

• vasavaḥ: the Vasus (a class of eight deities)

• te: they/those

• samākhyātāḥ: are called, are designated

• teṣām: of them

• sargam: creation, emanation, origin

• nibodhata: understand, learn, take note

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vasus
• Devas

Tags

• Sarga
• Deva-gana
• Vasus
• Cosmology
• Creation

FAQs

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

It points to creation (sarga), introducing the Vasus as a class of luminous, all-pervading deities whose origin will be described next; it is a cosmological setup rather than a direct pralaya statement.

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

Indirectly, it frames a worldview where cosmic order is maintained by defined divine functions; in the Matsya Purana, such classifications support dharma by reminding kings and householders that governance and conduct should align with an ordered cosmos.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vastu or ritual rule is stated; however, identifying directional pervasion (sarvato diśam) resonates with later Vastu and ritual concepts where directions and their presiding powers are invoked for consecration and protective rites.