The second verse of the Purusha Suktam explores the eternal nature of the universe and the divine presence underlying all existence. It presents the Supreme Cosmic Being, Purusha, as the source and essence of everything that existed in the past, exists in the present and will continue to exist in the future.
Sanskrit Verse
पुरुष एवेदं सर्वं यद्-भूतं यच्च भव्यम्।
उता-अमृतत्वस्येशानो यद्-अन्नेनाति-रोहति॥ २॥
Meaning
Purusha is everything that exists, encompassing the entire creation of the past and the future. All creation is rooted in the immortal essence of the Supreme Being. Through nourishment and growth, the manifest world develops and moves beyond its limitations, pointing towards the eternal nature of existence.
Understanding the Eternal Cycle
The second verse conveys the idea that the universe continues through an unending cycle of existence. It was present before our arrival and will continue beyond our lifetime. Although different beliefs and philosophies may offer contrasting interpretations of creation, the verse presents the entire visible universe as an expression of the immortal and imperishable Supreme Being.
The divine creative presence can be understood through the different stages of human life—infancy, childhood, youth, adulthood and old age. Each stage reflects the unfolding journey of existence and the continuity of creation.
During this journey, human beings strive to fulfil the four Purusharthas, or fundamental goals of life:
Dharma: Righteousness, duty and ethical living.
Artha: Material prosperity and the means to sustain life.
Kama: Desires, enjoyment and fulfilment.
Moksha: Spiritual liberation and freedom from worldly limitations.
Ultimately, the human body, composed of the five great elements (Pancha Mahabhutas), returns to these elements after the journey of life comes to an end.
The verse thus invites us to reflect on the impermanence of individual life and the continuity of the universe. Truth is presented as the eternal reality that sustains life, creation and the perpetual movement of existence.
Vidya Bhavan Astro Research Centre
Astro… Jitendra
