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The Unknown and Eternal Paramatma or The Supreme Energy materialised the Alternate Power called Prakriti / Maya which further appeared as Maha Tatwa or the Great Awareness. The latter made possible the occurrence of ‘ Ahamkara’ or Ego in Abstract Form or the Inherent Consciousness which got transformed as Bhutas or Tangible Entities the very First Entity being Narayana who created ‘Apo Naara’ or the Radiant Water who floated on that Water and was hence called Narayana. He deposited his virility with the resolve of creating and there got manifested a Brahmanda, the Huge Golden Egg inside which there was seated Hiranya garbha Brahma. The Egg had two parts viz. Diva/ Urthwa Loka or the Upper Part and ‘Bhuva’or Earth and the Space between these Parts was ‘Akaasha’ the Sky. There were manifestations eventually of Sapta Lokas (Bhuloka, Bhuvarloka, Swarloka, Maharloka, Janarloka, Tapoloka and Satyaloka), Sapta Patalaas ( Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talaatala, Mahatala, Rasatala and Patala); Dasha Dishas or Ten Directions viz. Uttara or North-East or Purva-Dakshina or South-Paschim or West-Ishanya or North East -Agneya or South East-Nirruti or South West- Vayavya or North West-Urthwa or Upper Region and Atho Lokas or the Nether Worlds; Sapta Dwipas (Jambu, Plaksha, Salmaali, Kusha, Krouncha, Shaka and Pushkala); Sapta Samudras (Lavana or Salt, Ikshurasa or Sugarcane juice, Sura or Wine, Ghrita or Classified Butter, Dahi or Curd, Ksheera or Milk and Suswada or Sweet Water); Sapta Parvatas (Sumeru , Kailas, Malaya, Himalaya, Udyachala, Agastyachala, Suvela and GandhamAadana); Ashta Loka Palakas (Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirruti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera and Ishana); Kaal maana or Time Calculation (Triti-hundred tritis oneVedha- three Vedhas one Lava-Three Lavas on Nimesha- Three Nimeshas one Kshana- five nimeshas one kashta or eight seconds- fifteen kashtas one laghu or two minutes- fifteen laghus one danda- six to seven dandas one fourth of a day or night-four praharas or yamas one day or night- two pakshas a month-two months a Ritu or Season- Six months one Ayana-365 combinations of a day / night one year- one year a Deva year-1200 Yugas comprising Satya of 4800 Deva Years, Treta Yuga of 3600, Dwapara of 2400 and Kaki yuga of 1200 Deva Years make one a Maha Yuga-100 Maha Yugas one Kalpa and Two Maha Kalpas are one life time of Brahma; Brahma is now passing through his fifty first year and his life span is 100 such years; we are now in the 28th Kali yuga of the first day of the first year of the third Sweta Varaha kalpa, second paraartha in the reign of the Seventh Manu named Vivaswanta. Kali Yuga is calculated to have commenced on 17th February 3102 BC of Julion Calendar). Besides the Kaala maana (Time), other notable creations were Manasa (Thought), Vaak (Speech), Shad Vargas or the Six Aberrations of Kama-Krodha-Lobha-Moha-Mada- Matsara viz. Desire, Anger, Greed, Infatuation, Arrogance and Jealousy; as also: Pancha Bhutas viz. Earth, Water, Agni,Wind and Sky; Nava Grahas of Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu-Ketu; Chatur Vedas of Rik-Yajur-Saama and Atharva besides Shat-Vedangas viz. Siksha including Sangeeta and Nayaaya, Vyakarana, Kalpa Grandha, Nirukta, Chandas Shastra and Jyitisha. Ekadasha Rudras or Eleven Rudras viz. Mahaan, Mahatma, Matimaan, Bhishana, Bhayankara, Ritudwaja, Urthwakesha, Pingalaksha, Rucha, Shuchi, and Kalaagni; Sapra Rishis viz. Marichi, Atri , Angirasa, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, and Vasishtha;Four Kumaras viz. Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanat and Sanatana; besides Narada-all Brahma’s mind-born as,Yagnas and Agni Homas like Shodasi, Ukta, Purushi, Agnishtoma, Aptoryama, Atiratra, Vajapeya, Goshava etc. Other facts worth noting in the context of Puranas are Fourteen Manvantaras (Swayambhu, Swarochisha,Uttama, Tamasa, Raivata, Chakshusa, the present Vaivaswata, Savarni, Bhoutya, Rouchya and four more Savarnyas) and Prajapatis and Vamshas, especially of Surya and Chandra and their lineages.
Markandeya Purana describes the Origin of Srishti by the Hiranyagarbha: He who is the root-cause of the Universe, is the unborn, enduring, the singular refuge of the moving and non-moving entities alike and the Creator is the Paramapada Swarup; He is the ‘Adi Purush’ or the Foremost Being who causes ‘Srishthi, Sthiti, Pralaya’(Creation, Preservation and Destruction), is unparalelled and Ever-existent. Having greeted this ‘Hiranyagarbha’ or the ‘Golden Bellied’ Supreme Energy with great veneration, the fantastic creation of the World is sought to be described, especially of those five kinds of Physical Features, Creation and characteristic attributes. This ‘Bhuta Srishti’ (Creation of the World) being originated from ‘Maha Purusha’ is in a way permanent yet occurs in temporary and repetitive stages. Maharshis describe Bhuta Srishti as an incomprehensible and minutest manifestation of ‘Prakriti’, which is Endless, indestructible, and devoid of sensory features like Gandha (Smell), Rupa (Form), Rasa(Taste), Shabda (Sound) and Sparsha (Touch); it has no beginning nor end, is the producing point, the source of Three Gunas of Satvika, Rajasika and Tamasika nature, is the Vidyamaan (Embodiment of Knowledge) and is ‘Avigneya’ (Incomprehensible). Before the ‘Pralaya’ (the Great Destruction), He is the ‘Sarvaya Vyapi’or the Omni-Present. Sage Markandeya explained to Jaimini Muni further as follows: In the task of ‘Srishti’ (Creation), Lord Brahma visualised ‘Pradhan Tatva’ (Main Nature) which camouflages ‘Maha Tatva’ (The Great Nature) just as a seed is hidden by the skin of a vegetable. This Maha Tatva, with the assistance of ‘Trigunas’ produces ‘Ahamkar’ (sense of the Self). Ahamkar has three kinds viz. Vaikarik, Tejas and Tamas. Just as Maha Tatva camouflages Pradhan Tatva, Vaikarika Tatva hides away Ahamkara. The interaction of Ahamkara and Pradhana Tatva produces ‘Shabda (Sound) Tanmatra’. The Sound feature produces ‘Akash’ (Sky) as Sky possesses the same tendency of sound. Now, the Shabda Tanmatra hiding Akash interacts with Tamas Ahamkar and produces ‘Sparsha (Touch) Tanmatra’. Then the Sparsha Tanmatra interacts with Vaikarika Tatva of Ahamkar and creates ‘Vayu’ (Wind). The interaction of the Sky’s Shabda Matra, Skin’s Sparsha Matra and that of Vayu Matra creates Rupa Matra whose further interaction with Tejas Tanmatra creates ‘Jyoti’. The cyclic effect thus creates Rasa Matra leading to the formation of ‘Jala’ (water) and ‘Gandha Matra’ leading to the formation of ‘Prithvi’ (Earth), following the interface of the respective Tanmatras. Further on, the chain reactions of Tanmatras, Matras and Gunas manifest innumerable creations.Panchendriyas of Ears, Skin, Eyes, Tongue and Nose and Pancha Karmendrias of respective actions, besides the controlling mind were created. By the union of ‘Maha Purusha’ and His own alternate form, ‘Prakruti’, a Golden Egg was produced in the huge sheet of water and grew up gradually.This Egg is massive as it contains the ‘Kshetrajna’ who made the Fore-most Appearance as the Originator of ‘Bhuta ganas’ including ‘Pancha Bhutas’ (Five Elements).
Vishnu Purana details: Maha Tatwa (The Supreme Manifestation): That Parabrahma-Paramatma-Vishwa Rupa-Sarvavyaapi-Sarvabhuteshwara-Sarvatma-Parameshwara on its own volition who has no ‘Vikaaraas’or traits manifested the Self into the Alternative Self with ‘Vikaaraas’:
Pradhaana Purushouchaapi pravishyaatmeychhayaa Harih,Kshobhayaamaasa Sampraaptey Sargakaaley vyayaavyaou/ Tathaa Sannidhi maatrena Gandhah Kshobhaaya jaayatey, Manaso nopakratrut twaattayasou Parameshwarah/Sa yeva Kshobhako Brahman kshobascha Purushottamah, Sa shankho cha vikasaabhyaam Pradhaanatvepi cha sthitah/ Vikaasaanuswarupaischa Brahma Rupaadi bhistathaa, Vyakta Swarupascha tathaa Vishnuh Sarveswareswarah/ Guna saamyaatta tasmaat tasmaat Khetrajnaadhishthaanaan Muney, Guna vyanjana sambhutih Sarga kaaley Dwijottamaa/
( That Pradhaana Purusha transformed from the State of ‘Nirvikaara’ to that of ‘Vikaara Pradhaana’ or full of characteristics just as fragrance influences the fragrance-free Vastu or material! Thus Purushottama the Nirvikaara basically assumes traits and Paramatma assumed the Samashthi-Vyashthi Rupas or endless manifestations commencing from Brahma and so on and indeed this process of transformation is known as Maha Tatwa! ) This Maha Tatwa is of three major Attributes viz. Saatvika, Tejasa or Raajasa and Taamasa and accordingly of three kinds of Ahamkaaraas or Self-oriented egoistic feelings. The Tamasa Ahamkaara led to the emergence Pancha Bhutasas as follows: first by the Tamasa-based Ahamkara created Tanmatras (Subtle forms of Matter); first the Shabda Tanmatra or Guna Rupa/ feature of Sound leading to the Creation of Shabda Guna and its allied Aaakaasha or the Sky; the Shabda Tanmaatra represented by Sky created the Sparsha Tanmatra leading to the manifestation to Vaayu; the Taamasa Guna’s Ahamkara which created Aakasha and Vayu from the Shabda and Sparsha Tanmaatraas respectively led to the emergence of Rupa Tanmatra which in turn led to the Tejo Bhuta;further on the Tamasika Guna having created the Sky- Air- Illumination and Heat or Fire furher went on to the emergence of Rasa Tanmatra and its allied Aapo Bhuta or Jala /Water; finally the Tamasika Guna having interacted with Shabda-Sparsha-Rupa-Rasa Tanmatras and created Sky-Air-Fire-Water, had further reacted with Gandha Tanmatra and materialised Prithvi or Earth. Thus the Maha Tatwa created : ‘Prithivyaaas Tejo Vaayuraakaashaas’ or Earth-Water-Radiance-Wind, and Sky. Maha Tatwa’s Raajasa-ahankara Guna was responsible for the creation of Panchendriyas viz. Pancha Jnanendriyas and Pancha Karmendriyas all driven by Manasa (Mind). The Karmendritas are Paayu (anus), Upastha ( marmen -driya), hasta, paada, and Vaak; the Jnaanindriyas are Twak (Skin),Chakshu (Eyes), Naasika (Nose), Jihva (Tongue) and Shrotra (Ears). Together with the Pancha Bhutas as above, the Beings of Srishti are thus readied with their Indriyas or Physical Features to face their live
SOURCES FROM PURANAS AND SMRITIS
I) P R I T H V I
BHUDEVATA
Bhuh paadouyasya naabhirviyasuranilash Chandra Suryau cha netre karnaaavashaah shiro dyarmukhamapi dahano yasya vaasteyaamabhih antastam yasya vishvam sura nara khagagobhogi gandharva daityahchitramramramyate tam tribhuvana vapusham Vishnumeesham namaami/
May I salute Vishnudeva whose physique occupies Trilokas as Bhumi is His feet, Aakasha as His navel, Vayu as His breath, Surya Chandras as His eyes, Ashta Diks as His ears, Swarga as His Head, Agni as His face and oceans as His abdomen. Thus the Universe in entirety comprises countless Beings ranging from Deva- Devis, humans, birds and beasts, Gandharvas and Asuras.
Ashvakraante ratha kraante Vishnukraante vasundharaa, shirasaam dharayahyaami rakshaswa maam pade pade/
May this Sacrificial Earth be such that Lord Vishnu Himself by horses and chariot traverses severally, while my head is bent in prostration thrice for His blessful protection at every step of His chariot.
Bhumirdhenurdharani loka dhaarini, udyataasi Varahena Krishnena shata baahunaa/
In Varaha avataara, Lord Vishnu lifted up Bhu Devi as in the form of a milch cow while she was sinking into deep seas as dragged to ‘atho loka waters’ by the demon Hiranyaaksha.
PURANAS
Origin of Bhumi, worship and consequences of disrespect to her
At Paramatma’s twinkle of an eye, Lord Brahma’s age of hundred Brahma years are over and there would be a ‘Prakritik Pralaya’ when Prithvi (Earth) sinks in water and merges into Parabrahma Paramatma. Maharshi Narayana narrated to Narada that there had been a belief when Daityas Madhu and Kaitabha were killed on the expanded dry place of Narayana’s thighs (since the Daityas agreed to be mutually killed only on a dry place without wetness) and the ‘Meda’ or fat of the demons’ dead bodies got dried up by Sun’s heat and that was how Medini was formed. Another version about the origin of Prithvi which Narayana Rishi narrated was what Mahatma Dharma told the Rishi: The ‘roma kupas’or the hair-roots of Maha Purusha’s body emitted dirt which created ‘ Bhumi’ and as many hair roots mixed with the sweat (water) emitted dirt so many times the formation of Bhumi takes place! Each time Bhumi is created, it emerges from the Seven Seas, along with Seven Dwipas, with Himalaya, Meru anf other Mountains; with Surya, Chandra and other Planets; with Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara abiding the Maha Purusha’s instructions; along with Devas and other Pranis would get materialised too; Punya Tirthas are also created; Seven Heavens and Seven Under Worlds are created too; Brahma loka, Dhruva loka and so on woud also get materialised. Such is the repetitive activity which takes place in each Kalpa.[Brahma’s age is hundred Brahma years of which he has completed fifty years and the first day of his fifty first year is in progress and a day/night of Brahma is two kalpas; thus each Kalpa has a thousand Mahayugas equivalent to 4.32 billion human years] Matsya.
Disclaimer : Compiled, Composed and Interpreted by V.D.N.Rao and first appeared on Kamakoti.org
