Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — The Episode of Madhu and Kaiṭabha: Gunas

Devanagari script

ततो भूतानि जायन्ते सात्त्विकानीतराणि च स एव हि युवां नांशे वशी देवो हनिष्यति //

Transliteration

tato bhūtāni jāyante sāttvikānītarāṇi ca sa eva hi yuvāṃ nāṃśe vaśī devo haniṣyati //

Translation

From that (source) beings are born—those of the sattva-type as well as the others. Indeed, that very Lord, the self-controlled God, will destroy you both when you are without a share (of His grace/power).

Word by Word

• tataḥ: from that/thereupon

• bhūtāni: beings, created entities

• jāyante: are born, arise

• sāttvikāni: sāttvika (pure, luminous) types

• itarāṇi: other kinds (rājasa, tāmasa)

• ca: and

• saḥ eva: He alone/that very one

• hi: indeed

• yuvām: you two

• na-aṃśe: when (you are) without a portion/share (aṃśa), lacking participation in (Him)

• vaśī: self-mastered, sovereign, controlling

• devaḥ: the God, Lord

• haniṣyati: will slay/destroy.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu (context of doctrinal instruction on causation and divine sovereignty)

Entities Mentioned

• Deva (the Lord)

Tags

• Creation
• Guṇas
• Sattva
• Divine sovereignty
• Pralaya

FAQs

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

It states that all beings arise from a prior cause and are differentiated by guṇas (sattva and the others), while ultimate destruction remains under the sovereign Lord’s control.

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

By implying that character and conduct vary by guṇa, it encourages rulers and householders to cultivate sattva—self-control, clarity, and dharmic restraint—knowing that power and survival are not autonomous but dependent on the Lord’s sanction.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct vastu/ritual rule is given; the takeaway is theological: ritual and temple acts are meaningful when aligned with sattva and devotion to the sovereign Lord who governs creation and dissolution.