Shloka 41

Matsya Purana — The Origin of Yajña in Tretā Yuga and the Debate on Animal Sacrifice vs. Non-...

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मणा तपसा सृष्टं जगद्विश्वमिदं पुरा तस्मान्नाप्नोति तद्यज्ञात् तपोमूलमिदं स्मृतम् //

Transliteration

brahmaṇā tapasā sṛṣṭaṃ jagadviśvamidaṃ purā tasmānnāpnoti tadyajñāt tapomūlamidaṃ smṛtam //

Translation

In ancient times Brahmā created this entire universe through austerity (tapas). Therefore, that supreme attainment is not gained merely by sacrifice (yajña); it is remembered that all this has austerity as its very root.

Word by Word

• ब्रह्मणा (brahmaṇā): by Brahmā

• तपसा (tapasā): by austerity, ascetic power

• सृष्टम् (sṛṣṭam): created, brought forth

• जगत् (jagat): the world

• विश्वम् (viśvam): the universe, all that is

• इदम् (idam): this

• पुरा (purā): formerly, in ancient times

• तस्मात् (tasmāt): therefore

• न (na): not

• आप्नोति (āpnoti): attains, reaches

• तत् (tat): that (goal/result, supreme attainment)

• यज्ञात् (yajñāt): from/through sacrifice

• तपोमूलम् (tapo-mūlam): having tapas as the root/foundation

• इदम् (idam): this (teaching/whole order)

• स्मृतम् (smṛtam): is remembered/declared in tradition.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmā
• Tapas
• Yajña
• Jagat (World/Universe)

Tags

• Creation
• Tapas
• Yajña
• Puranic Cosmology
• Spiritual Discipline

FAQs

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

It emphasizes creation (sarga): Brahmā manifests the universe through tapas, presenting austerity as the primal creative power rather than ritual action alone.

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

It implies that external rites (yajña) should be supported by inner discipline—self-restraint, truthfulness, and regulated living—so a king or householder’s dharma gains real spiritual efficacy.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it ranks tapas as the foundational force behind successful yajña—suggesting that purity, vows, and disciplined preparation are essential for rites to bear fruit.