Matsya Purana — Manvantaras, Shloka 72

Devanagari script

यथान्धकारे खद्योतः सहसा सम्प्रदृश्यते तथा निवृत्तो ह्यव्यक्तः खद्योत इव संज्वलन् //

Transliteration

yathāndhakāre khadyotaḥ sahasā sampradṛśyate tathā nivṛtto hyavyaktaḥ khadyota iva saṃjvalan //

Translation

Seperti kunang-kunang tiba-tiba tampak dalam gelap, demikian pula Yang Tak-Termanifest (Avyakta), ketika batin berbalik dari objek luar, bersinar menyala laksana kunang-kunang.

Word by Word

• yathā: just as

• andhakāre: in darkness

• khadyotaḥ: a firefly

• sahasā: suddenly

• sampradṛśyate: is clearly seen/comes into view

• tathā: so, in the same way

• nivṛttaḥ: turned back/withdrawn (from externality)

• hi: indeed

• avyaktaḥ: the Unmanifest (subtle, not perceptible)

• khadyota iva: like a firefly

• saṃjvalan: blazing, glowing intensely

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Avyakta (the Unmanifest principle)

Tags

• Avyakta
• Nivritti
• Yoga
• Moksha
• Inner Light

FAQs

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

It points to the Avyakta (unmanifest) as a subtle ground that is not grasped outwardly; it becomes evident when perception withdraws inward—an idea often used to explain how the causal state underlies manifestation and withdrawal.

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

It emphasizes nivṛtti (inner restraint and withdrawal from excessive sense-pursuit). For a king or householder, this supports disciplined governance and ethical living: act in the world, yet regularly return the mind inward through self-control and contemplation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; the imagery functions as a contemplative instruction—ritual and discipline are implied as supports for inward turning, by which subtle truth becomes perceptible.