Hetuh Samasta Jagatam — Word-by-Word Meaning
हेतुः समस्तजगताम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
हेतुः
hetuḥ
the cause, the origin
समस्तजगताम्
samasta-jagatām
of all the worlds, of the entire universe
त्रिगुणा अपि
triguṇā api
though possessing the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas)
दोषैः न ज्ञायसे
doṣaiḥ na jñāyase
you are not known to be touched by any faults or imperfections
हरिहरादिभिः अपि
hariharādibhiḥ api
even by Hari (Vishnu), Hara (Shiva) and the other gods
अपारा
apārā
boundless, unfathomable, beyond measure
सर्वाश्रया
sarvāśrayā
the support and refuge of all
अखिलम् इदम् जगत्
akhilam idaṃ jagat
this entire world
अंशभूतम्
aṃśabhūtam
is but a fraction, a portion of you
अव्याकृता
avyākṛtā
unmanifest, undifferentiated
हि परमा
hi paramā
for (you are) the supreme
प्रकृतिः त्वम् आद्या
prakṛtiḥ tvam ādyā
you are the primordial, original Prakriti (Nature)
Complete Translation
Though the cause of all the worlds and endowed with the three gunas, you are not known to be touched by faults; you are unfathomable even to Hari, Hara and the rest. You are the refuge of all; this whole world is but a portion of you, for you are the supreme, unmanifest, primordial Prakriti.
Origin & History
Source: Durga Saptashati Chapter 4
Author: Sage Markandeya (Rishi Markandeya)
Period: Ancient (c. 400–600 CE, Markandeya Purana)
In Chapter 4 of the Devi Mahatmya, after the Goddess destroys the buffalo-demon Mahishasura, Indra and the gods sing the Shakradi Stuti in her praise. Amid hymns of valour, this verse turns to her transcendent nature, declaring her the unfathomable cause of all worlds, the Adya Prakriti of whom the whole cosmos is only a fragment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Hetuh Samasta Jagatam' mean?▼
It means 'the cause of all the worlds.' The verse from Durga Saptashati Chapter 4 addresses the Goddess as the origin of the entire universe — the primordial Prakriti from whom everything arises, yet who remains untouched by any imperfection.
Who recites this verse in the Devi Mahatmya?▼
It is part of the Shakradi Stuti, the hymn of praise offered by Indra and the gods in Chapter 4 of the Durga Saptashati, after the Goddess slays Mahishasura.
Why is the Goddess called Adya Prakriti here?▼
Adya Prakriti means the 'original, primordial Nature.' The verse explains that although the Devi holds the three gunas that form the world, she is their unmanifest source — supreme, undifferentiated and beyond the reach even of Vishnu and Shiva.
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