Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Questions on Padmanabha’s Lotus-Creation in the Padma Mahakalpa; Prelude to N...

Devanagari script

विभुर्महाभूतपतिर् महातेजा महाकृतिः आस्ते सुरवरश्रेष्ठो विधिमास्थाय योगवित् //

Transliteration

vibhurmahābhūtapatir mahātejā mahākṛtiḥ āste suravaraśreṣṭho vidhimāsthāya yogavit //

Translation

The all-pervading Lord—master of the great elements—of immense radiance and vast cosmic form, abides as the foremost among the best of the gods, established in the ordained order, and fully versed in Yoga.

Word by Word

• विभुः (vibhuḥ): the all-pervading, sovereign Lord

• महाभूतपतिः (mahābhūta-patiḥ): lord/master of the great elements (earth, water, fire, wind, space)

• महातेजाः (mahā-tejāḥ): of great splendor/radiance

• महाकृतिः (mahā-kṛtiḥ): of vast form/cosmic magnitude

• आस्ते (āste): abides, remains established

• सुरवरश्रेष्ठः (sura-vara-śreṣṭhaḥ): the best among the excellent gods

• विधिम् (vidhim): the rule/ordained order, proper law, prescribed method

• आस्थाय (āsthāya): having adopted, having taken refuge in/being established in

• योगवित् (yoga-vit): knower of Yoga, master of yogic discipline.

Speaker

• Suta (narratorial voice, presenting a theological description in the Matsya Purana’s discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Mahabhutas (Five Great Elements)
• Devas (Suras)
• The all-pervading Lord (Vibhu)

Tags

• Yoga
• Theology
• Cosmic Lordship
• Dharma (Vidhi)
• Puranic Praise

FAQs

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

By calling the Lord the “master of the great elements,” the verse implies sovereignty over the very constituents that manifest creation and are reabsorbed at pralaya.

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

The phrase “vidhim āsthāya” highlights living established in ordained order (dharma/vidhi); kings and householders are to mirror this by upholding lawful governance, ritual propriety, and disciplined conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not giving direct Vastu rules, it foregrounds “vidhi” (prescribed method), a key principle behind ritual procedure and temple-building traditions: sacred acts must follow correct, scripturally ordained order.