Shloka 19

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

Devanagari script

कः समुत्सहते ज्ञातुं परं नारायणात्मकम् विश्वायनश्च यद्ब्रह्मा न वेदयति तत्त्वतः //

Transliteration

kaḥ samutsahate jñātuṃ paraṃ nārāyaṇātmakam viśvāyanaśca yadbrahmā na vedayati tattvataḥ //

Translation

Who indeed can dare to know the Supreme—whose very essence is Nārāyaṇa—when even Brahmā, the all-pervading one, does not truly comprehend Him in His reality?

Word by Word

• कः (kaḥ): who

• समुत्सहते (samutsahate): dares/ventures

• ज्ञातुम् (jñātum): to know

• परम् (param): the Supreme

• नारायणात्मकम् (nārāyaṇātmakam): whose nature/essence is Nārāyaṇa

• विश्वायनः (viśvāyanaḥ): the all-pervading/all-going one (epithet implying cosmic pervasiveness)

• च (ca): and

• यत् (yat): whom/which

• ब्रह्मा (brahmā): Brahmā

• न (na): not

• वेदयति (vedayati): knows/realizes

• तत्त्वतः (tattvataḥ): in truth/as it really is

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (likely narrative frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Narayana
• Brahma

Tags

• Narayana-Supremacy
• Tattva-Jnana
• Theology
• Bhakti
• Cosmic-Hierarchy

FAQs

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

It underscores a Puranic hierarchy: even Brahmā (linked with creation) cannot fully grasp the Supreme Nārāyaṇa; thus, the ultimate cause behind creation and pralaya transcends the creator-god’s complete knowledge.

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

It promotes humility and God-centered conduct: since the Supreme cannot be fully mastered by intellect alone, a king or householder should rule and live by dharma with devotion, restraint, and reverence rather than pride in learning or power.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is theological—rituals and temple acts are meaningful when oriented toward Nārāyaṇa as the highest reality beyond even Brahmā’s full comprehension.