SrI: SrImathE satakOpAya nama: SrImathE rAmAnujAya nama: SrImadh varavaramunayE nama:
sUthram 88
Having enumerated the twenty-four thathvas, the commentator now points out that the pAsuram merely lists them without indicating their order of evolution. He therefore begins by identifying the first among them.
sUthram
இதில் ப்ரதம தத்வம் ப்ரக்ருதி.
idhil prathama thathvam prakruthi.
Meaning
Among these, the first thathva is prakruthi.
Explanation
The first thathva
The commentator observes that AzhwAr’s pAsuram enumerates the thathvas, but does not describe the order in which they arise.
Naturally, the question arises:
“Which is the first among these thathvas?”
The answer is that the first thathva is prakruthi.
Other names of prakruthi
The commentator notes that the first thathva is also known by two other names:
- pradhAna
- avyaktha
These names have already been explained earlier with the support of parASara smruthi.
Why is it called pradhAna?
It is called pradhAna because it is the principal instrument employed by emperumAn in carrying out his leelA of creation, sustenance, and dissolution.
Thus, prakruthi occupies the foremost position among the material causes used in his cosmic play.
Why is it called avyaktha?
It is called avyaktha because, in its primordial state, the three guNas have not yet become differentiated.
Before creation begins, sathva, rajas, and thamas remain in a state of equilibrium without manifesting their distinct functions.
Since this condition is unmanifest, it is known as avyaktha.
adiyen vAsudhEva rAmAnuja dhAsan
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