Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — The Episode of Madhu and Kaiṭabha: Gunas

Devanagari script

तत्र कश्चोद्भवस्तुभ्यं केन वासि न योजितः कः स्रष्टा कश्च ते गोप्ता केन नाम्ना विधीयसे //

Transliteration

tatra kaścodbhavastubhyaṃ kena vāsi na yojitaḥ kaḥ sraṣṭā kaśca te goptā kena nāmnā vidhīyase //

Translation

“From what source have you arisen? By whom are you made to dwell (here), or not made to dwell? Who is your creator, and who is your protector? And by what name are you designated?”

Word by Word

• tatra: there/then, in that matter

• kaścit: who (indeed), what person

• udbhavaḥ: origin, arising, source

• tubhyam: for you/of you

• kena: by whom/through what cause

• vā: or

• asi: you are

• na: not

• yojitaḥ: appointed, joined, set in place

• kaḥ: who

• sraṣṭā: creator, maker

• kaḥ ca: and who

• te: your

• goptā: protector, guardian

• kena: by whom

• nāmnā: by name, with a name

• vidhīyase: you are called, you are designated/ordained

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (inquiring of Lord Matsya / the divine interlocutor)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Lord Matsya
• Creator (Sraṣṭā)
• Protector (Goptā)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya-Avatara
• Cosmology
• Theism
• Inquiry

FAQs

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

It frames a core pralaya-era theological inquiry: in a time of cosmic uncertainty, Manu asks about the ultimate origin, governance, and naming of the divine being—pointing to a supreme cause beyond ordinary creation.

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

It models dharmic discernment: a ruler like Manu must question sources of authority—creator, protector, and rightful designation—before accepting guidance, mirroring the king’s duty to examine legitimacy and uphold order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual procedure is stated; the verse is primarily metaphysical, emphasizing correct identification (nāma) and agency (creator/protector), which later supports accurate mantra-address and deity-invocation in ritual contexts.