Shloka 6

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

Devanagari script

भुवः प्रमाणं सर्वत्र ज्ञात्वोर्ध्वम् अध एव च ततः सृष्टिं विशेषेण कुरुध्वमृषिसत्तमाः //

Transliteration

bhuvaḥ pramāṇaṃ sarvatra jñātvordhvam adha eva ca tataḥ sṛṣṭiṃ viśeṣeṇa kurudhvamṛṣisattamāḥ //

Translation

Having understood everywhere the measured extent of the worlds—both above and below—then, O best of sages, set forth the account of creation in a detailed and specific manner.

Word by Word

• भुवः (bhuvaḥ): of the worlds/planes of existence

• प्रमाणम् (pramāṇam): measure, extent, dimension

• सर्वत्र (sarvatra): everywhere, in all respects

• ज्ञात्वा (jñātvā): having known/understood

• ऊर्ध्वम् (ūrdhvam): upward, above

• अधः (adhaḥ): downward, below

• एव (eva): indeed/also

• च (ca): and

• ततः (tataḥ): then/thereafter

• सृष्टिम् (sṛṣṭim): creation, emanation

• विशेषेण (viśeṣeṇa): particularly, in detail

• कुरुध्वम् (kurudhvam): do/expound/compose (2nd pl. imperative)

• ऋषिसत्तमाः (ṛṣisattamāḥ): O best of sages

Speaker

• Narratorial instruction within the cosmology discourse (traditional dialogue frame: Sūta reporting, with the broader teaching attributed to Lord Matsya to Manu)

Tags

• Creation
• Cosmology
• Bhuvana-pramana
• Upper and lower worlds
• Sarga

FAQs

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

It frames creation (sṛṣṭi) as something to be explained after establishing cosmic measurements—suggesting that a proper account of emanation depends on knowing the structure of the worlds above and below, a common Purāṇic prerequisite before discussing cycles like pralaya and re-creation.

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

Indirectly, it models a dhārmic method: first establish correct knowledge and proportion (pramāṇa), then act or teach in detail—paralleling how a king or householder should make decisions only after understanding the full scope of circumstances.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Though not explicitly about Vāstu, the emphasis on pramāṇa (measure) anticipates Vāstu-śāstra logic: correct measurement and orientation (above/below; cosmic ordering) are foundational before detailed prescriptions are given.