Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — The Episode of Madhu and Kaiṭabha: Gunas

Devanagari script

नारायणसमाज्ञातं सृजन्तमखिलाः प्रजाः दैवतानि च विश्वानि मानसानसुरानृषीन् //

Transliteration

nārāyaṇasamājñātaṃ sṛjantamakhilāḥ prajāḥ daivatāni ca viśvāni mānasānasurānṛṣīn //

Translation

Commanded by Nārāyaṇa, he created all progeny—divine beings and the worlds, and also the mind-born ones, the Asuras, and the seer-sages.

Word by Word

• nārāyaṇa-samājñātam: instructed/commanded by Nārāyaṇa

• sṛjantam: creating/bringing forth

• akhilāḥ prajāḥ: all creatures/progeny

• daivatāni: the gods/divinities

• ca: and

• viśvāni: the worlds/universes

• mānasāḥ: mind-born beings (mentally emanated)

• asurān: Asuras

• ṛṣīn: Rishis/seers

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) narrating to Vaivasvata Manu (cosmogonic instruction context)

Entities Mentioned

• Narayana
• Asuras
• Rishis
• Devas
• Mind-born beings (Manasa)

Tags

• Creation
• Cosmology
• Sarga
• Devas-Asuras
• Rishis

FAQs

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

It emphasizes creation (sarga) as occurring under Nārāyaṇa’s supreme command—beings and worlds arise by divine injunction rather than by chance, setting the theological frame for cycles that also include pralaya.

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

By presenting creation as orderly and command-governed, it implies that kingship and household life should mirror cosmic order—upholding dharma, protecting rishis and social classes, and restraining asuric (anti-dharmic) tendencies.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-rule detail appears here; the takeaway is foundational: ritual and sacred building are valid because the cosmos itself is structured under Nārāyaṇa’s ordinance, which later Vāstu/rite sections treat as the model for correct arrangement.