Matsya Purana — Manvantaras, Shloka 11
संहृत्याजानुबाहुश्च दैवतैरभिपूज्यते गवां च हस्तिनां चैव महिषस्थावरात्मनाम् //
saṃhṛtyājānubāhuśca daivatairabhipūjyate gavāṃ ca hastināṃ caiva mahiṣasthāvarātmanām //
Com os braços alcançando os joelhos e recolhidos em postura serena, ele é reverenciado e devidamente cultuado pelos deuses como o princípio divino imanente nas vacas, nos elefantes, nos búfalos e até nos seres imóveis.
FAQs
It does not describe Pralaya directly; it emphasizes the pervasion of divinity as the inner Self across living creatures and even immovable beings, a theological idea often used to frame cosmic order rather than dissolution.
By presenting divinity as present in cattle and other beings, it supports dharmic duties such as protection of cows and animals, non-cruelty, and reverent care for beings that sustain society—key expectations for both rulers and householders in Purāṇic ethics.
The phrase ājānu-bāhu (arms reaching the knees) functions as an iconographic marker used in pratima-lakṣaṇa for identifying or crafting divine images; such bodily proportions guide temple-image making and the ritual validation of a consecrated form.