The Cosmic Purusha (Shlok 4)

The Thousand-Headed, Thousand-Eyed, and Thousand-Footed Divine Form.

सहस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः सहस्राक्षः सहस्रपात्।
स भूमिं विश्वतो वृत्वा अत्यतिष्ठद्दशाङ्गुलम्॥

Meaning :

• सहस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः (Sahasraśīrṣā puruṣaḥ) : The Purusha (cosmic being) has a thousand heads.

• सहस्राक्षः (Sahasrākṣaḥ) : He has a thousand eyes.

• सहस्रपात् (Sahasrapāt) : He has a thousand feet.

• स भूमिं विश्वतो वृत्वा अत्यतिष्ठद्दशाङ्गुलम्॥ (Sa bhūmiṁ viśvato vṛtvā atyatiṣṭhad daśāṅgulam) : Having pervaded the earth on all sides, he exceeds it by ten fingers' breadth.

Explanation :

This mantra describes the cosmic form of Purusha, the supreme being, with a thousand heads, eyes, and feet. It signifies his all-pervading nature and his transcendence over the earth.

सहस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः (Sahasraśīrṣā puruṣaḥ) :

Sahasraśīrṣā means "one with a thousand heads." Puruṣaḥ refers to the cosmic being or supreme person. This line signifies that Purusha, the cosmic entity, has countless heads, symbolizing his omnipresence and the idea that he embodies all living beings. Each head represents different facets of the universe, suggesting that Purusha is the source and the sum of all consciousness.

सहस्राक्षः (Sahasrākṣaḥ) :

Sahasrākṣaḥ means "one with a thousand eyes." This emphasizes Purusha's omniscience, indicating that he sees and knows everything in the universe. The thousand eyes represent his ability to perceive all that happens across all realms, suggesting that nothing is hidden from his vision.

सहस्रपात् (Sahasrapāt) :

Sahasrapāt means "one with a thousand feet." This line signifies Purusha's omnipotence and omnipresence, indicating that his power and presence extend everywhere. The thousand feet symbolize his ability to reach and influence every part of the cosmos.

स भूमिं विश्वतो वृत्वा अत्यतिष्ठद्दशाङ्गुलम् (Sa bhūmiṁ viśvato vṛtvā atyatiṣṭhad daśāṅgulam) :

This line can be broken down as follows :

• स भूमिं विश्वतो वृत्वा (Sa bhūmiṁ viśvato vṛtvā) : "Having pervaded the earth on all sides," signifies that Purusha's presence envelops the entire earth, covering it completely.
• अत्यतिष्ठद्दशाङ्गुलम् (Atyatiṣṭhad daśāṅgulam) : "He exceeds it by ten fingers' breadth." This indicates that Purusha's transcendence goes beyond the physical realm of the earth by a margin that is symbolically described as ten fingers' breadth. It suggests that while Purusha pervades the physical world, his true essence transcends it.

Detailed Explanation :

1. Thousand Heads of Purusha :

• Significance : The depiction of Purusha with a thousand heads symbolizes his all-encompassing nature and his presence in all living beings. Each head represents a different aspect of creation, indicating that all forms of life are manifestations of Purusha.
• Application : This concept encourages the understanding that all beings are interconnected and expressions of the same divine consciousness. It promotes a sense of unity and reverence for all forms of life.

2. Thousand Eyes of Purusha :

• Significance : The thousand eyes of Purusha signify his ability to see everything, representing his omniscience. This suggests that Purusha has complete knowledge and awareness of all events and actions in the universe.
• Application : Recognizing Purusha's omniscience can inspire individuals to act righteously, knowing that their actions are seen and understood by the divine. It also fosters trust in the divine order, acknowledging that everything is known and guided by a higher consciousness.

3. Thousand Feet of Purusha :

• Significance : The thousand feet of Purusha symbolize his omnipresence and the fact that he supports and sustains all of creation. This imagery indicates that Purusha is the foundation and underlying reality of all existence.
• Application : This understanding can inspire a sense of grounding and support, knowing that the divine presence is everywhere and sustains all life. It also encourages individuals to see the divine in all places and circumstances.

4. Transcendence of Purusha :

• Significance : The description of Purusha exceeding the earth by ten fingers' breadth symbolizes his transcendence over the physical realm. This suggests that while Purusha pervades the material world, his true essence goes beyond it, representing the infinite and boundless nature of the divine.
• Application : This concept can inspire individuals to look beyond the physical and material aspects of life, seeking a deeper understanding of the spiritual and transcendent nature of existence. It encourages the pursuit of spiritual growth and the realization of the infinite divine within and beyond the physical world.