Shloka 18
Kapila’s Advent: Brahmā’s Confirmation, the Marriage of the Nine Daughters, and Kardama’s Renunciation
एष मानवि ते गर्भं प्रविष्ट: कैटभार्दन: । अविद्यासंशयग्रन्थिं छित्त्वा गां विचरिष्यति ॥ १८ ॥
eṣa mānavi te garbhaṁ praviṣṭaḥ kaiṭabhārdanaḥ avidyā-saṁśaya-granthiṁ chittvā gāṁ vicariṣyati
Hỡi Devahūti, ái nữ của Manu! Đấng Tối Thượng, vị đã diệt quỷ Kaiṭabha, nay đã nhập vào thai ngươi. Ngài sẽ chặt đứt những nút thắt của vô minh và nghi hoặc, rồi du hành khắp thế gian.
Here the word avidyā is very significant. Avidyā means forgetfulness of one’s identity. Every one of us is a spirit soul, but we have forgotten. We think, “I am this body.” This is called avidyā. Saṁśaya-granthi means “doubtfulness.” The knot of doubtfulness is tied when the soul identifies with the material world. That knot is also called ahaṅkāra, the junction of matter and spirit. By proper knowledge received from the scriptures in disciplic succession and by proper application of that knowledge, one can free himself from this binding combination of matter and spirit. Brahmā assures Devahūti that her son will enlighten her, and after enlightening her He will travel all over the world, distributing the system of Sāṅkhya philosophy.
FAQs
It says the Lord (as Kaiṭabhārdana) enters Devahūti’s womb and will cut the knot of ignorance and doubt, indicating His mission to awaken true knowledge and devotion.
Brahmā was blessing and reassuring Devahūti about the divine nature of her child—Kapila—who would teach liberating wisdom and remove spiritual confusion.
By studying authentic śāstra, seeking guidance from realized teachers, and practicing steady devotion, one can overcome confusion, anxiety, and skepticism about life’s purpose.