Question

In the context of the five characteristics of a Purana (Purana-panchalakshana), what is the meaning of the word 'Sarga'?

• A. Srishti (Primary Creation)
• B. Srishtelaya (Dissolution of Creation)
• C. Punah-Srishti (Secondary Creation/Re-creation)
• D. Adhyaya (Chapter)

Hint:

Sarga = Primary Creation. Pratisarga = Re-creation (Dissolution and renewal). Think of 'Sarga' as the 'Origin' and 'Prati-sarga' as the 'Follow-up' or 'Return' of creation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
According to traditional definitions (found in the Vishnu Purana, Matsya Purana, and the Amarakosha), a Purana should ideally deal with five topics. This is known as the Panchalakshana. These topics provide the framework for the encyclopedic nature of these texts.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The five characteristics are defined in the famous shloka:
"sargaśca pratisargaśca vaṃśo manvantarāṇi ca |
vaṃśānucaritaṃ caiva purāṇaṃ pañcalakṣaṇam ||"
1. Sarga: Primary Creation. It deals with the evolution of the universe from Prakriti (nature) and the manifestation of the Mahat (intellect), Ahamkara (ego), and the Tanmatras (subtle elements). This is equivalent to Srishti.
2. Pratisarga: Secondary Creation or the periodical dissolution and re-creation of the world. (Option C refers to this).
3. Vamsha: Genealogies of gods and sages.
4. Manvantara: The periods ruled by various Manus (cosmic time cycles).
5. Vamshanucharita: Histories of the royal dynasties (like the Surya-vamsha and Chandra-vamsha).
Therefore, in this specific classification, 'Sarga' exclusively refers to the original, primary act of creation (Srishti).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The meaning of 'Sarga' is Srishti (Primary Creation).