Manusmriti Absolved: Chapter 2 – The Creation

Introduction

The Manusmṛiti (Sanskrit: मनुस्मृति) is believed to be the first ancient legal text and constitution among the many Dharmaśāstras of Hinduism.

In Chapter 2, Maharshi Manu discusses how Universe was formed.

Chapter 2: The Creation

Maharishi Manu starts his narration:

आसीदिदं तमोभूतमप्रज्ञातमलक्षणम् ।

अप्रतर्क्यमविज्ञेयं प्रसुप्तमिव सर्वतः ॥ ५ ॥

In the beginning, the Earth existed in dense darkness – its presence indifferent, its individuality unnoticed – as if it were in deep slumber.

ततः स्वयम्भूर्भगवानव्यक्तो व्यञ्जयन्निदम् ।

महाभूतादि वृत्तोजाः प्रादुरासीत् तमोनुदः ॥ ६ ॥

Then a Swayambhu (self-existing) Presence triggered a stimulus in the womb of the Universe to which all matter started responding. Thus, the Darkness was eventually dispelled.

योऽसावतीन्द्रियग्राह्यः सूक्ष्मोऽव्यक्तः सनातनः ।

सर्वभूतमयोऽचिन्त्यः स एव स्वयमुद्बभौ ॥ ७ ॥

The conscious Eternal Power then manifested itself on all particles and got absorbed in different manners by all existing forms.

तदण्डमभवद्धैमं सहस्रांशुसमप्रभम् ।

तस्मिञ्जज्ञे स्वयं ब्रह्मा सर्वलोकपितामहः ॥ ९

The Seed nurtured silently within the water in a sequence that was inconspicuous, yet as eventful as the formation of Sun. In due process, the Seed metamorphosed into Hiranya-garva (the Womb of Life). From this womb eventually, out stepped Bramha (Life).

आपो नारा इति प्रोक्ता आपो वै नरसूनवः ।

ता यदस्यायनं पूर्वं तेन नारायणः स्मृतः ॥ १० ॥

Water is called ‘Nara’, as it’s the first thing created by the Eternal Force. And out of this water, emerged its original resident and thus, was called:

𝙉𝘼𝙍𝘼𝙔𝘼𝙉𝘼.

Senior Verbal Trainer & Academic Curriculum Manager for Primary/Secondary & Higher Studies (India, Overseas Programs), ESL/ESOL Instructor, Head of Academic Content Department, and Corporate Soft Skills Coach at GTUB