Mahopanishad

Mahopanishad

Chapter 1

Mahopanishad is a very lengthy upanishad which can be classed among the finest lot of Indian Upanishads. It has six chapters which give us the core of Indian Philosophy.

First chapter deals with the creation story which is very interesting. In the beginning there was only Adi Narayanana. No one like Brahma, Rudra, Water, Agni, Air, Sky, Earth, Star, Sun etc. existed. And Narayanana did not like to be alone. So he went on deep contemplation which is known as Yajnastoman.

As a result of this meditation, it is said that 14 males and 1 female were born . The male category includes 10 indriyas, mind, pride, life and soul. The female one is said to be Budhi (intellect). In addition to these the five molecules and five elements evolved. When all these 25 elements combined one purusha a made being was (created). The Virat purusha entered into this being.

Stanza 3 of the first chapter tells the story of the evolution of Isaana. The Narayana went into another deep meditation and from his forehead was born a male who had three eyes.

All factors like Yashas(fame)  satya (truth) tapas (meditation),Brahmacharya, (celibacy, Aishwarya  are dependent on this ‘sidha purusha’.  So he is called  Isaana or Mahadeva.

Stanza IV gives a delightful description of the birth of Brahma. Sri Narayana entered into another stage of contemplation and as a result of this he began to sweat. From the sweat that emerged from his forehead, water was evolved and it spread everywhere. A special ball like substance evolved from this water and from that radiant sphere emerged Brahma.

Brahma turned into four directions and contemplated on the Vedas and different lore. Later he meditated on Sri Narayana and realized that, He alone is Vishwaroopa. The life of all the universe is dependent on him.

                                                                                              Dr. Karickam