Question

Match the opening lines of the creation narrative from the Aitareya Upanishad (1.1) in List I with their correct section (Kaṇḍikā) location in List II:

 

List I (Mantras)		List II (Section)
A. \(\text{om ātmā vā idameka evāgra...}\) (Om, in the beginning this was the Self alone)	IV.	Prathamā Kaṇḍikā (First Section)
B. \(\text{sa imāllokān-asṛjata...}\) (He created these worlds)	II.	Dvitīyā Kaṇḍikā (Second Section)
C. \(\text{sa īkṣata me nu lokā lokapālānnu sṛjā iti...}\) (He thought, here are the worlds; let me create guardians)	III.	Tṛtīyā Kaṇḍikā (Third Section)
D. \(\text{tam-abhyatapattasyābhitaptasya...}\) (He brooded over him, and from him brooded over...)	I.	Caturthī Kaṇḍikā (Fourth Section)

• A. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
• B. A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I
• C. A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
• D. A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV

Hint:

Aitareya Srishti Mnemonic: 1. Self Alone (Prathama), 2. Worlds (Dvitiya), 3. Guardians (Tritiya), 4. Brooding/Tapas (Chaturthi). If you remember this 4-step story, you will never mix up the Kandikas.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Aitareya Upanishad (part of the Aitareya Aranyaka) provides a unique account of the creation of the universe (Srishti-krama). It describes how the Atman (the Self), which alone existed in the beginning, decided to manifest the world and its guardians through the power of its will. The first chapter (Adhyaya 1) is divided into several short sections or Kandikas that trace this step-by-step manifestation. This question tests the "textual location" of these cosmological stages.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The sequence of creation in the Aitareya Upanishad 1.1 follows a precise developmental logic:

1. A (om ātmā vā idameka evāgra...) - IV. prathamā kaṇḍikā: This is the very first sentence of the Upanishad (1.1.1). It establishes the monistic starting point—that before creation, only the Self existed, and nothing else moved. Thus, A matches IV.

2. B (sa imāllokān-asṛjata...) - II. dvitīyā kaṇḍikā: Once the intent to create was formed, the first act was the manifestation of the "worlds" or cosmic regions (Ambhas, Marichi, Mara, Apa). This expansion happens at the start of the second unit of thought. Thus, B matches II.

3. C (sa īkṣate menulokā...) - III. tṛtīyā kaṇḍikā: After creating the 'dead' worlds, the Self realized they needed caretakers. He thought, "Here are the worlds; now let me create the world-guardians (Lokapalas)." This represents the introduction of life/governance. Thus, C matches III.

4. D (tam-abhyatapattasya...) - I. caturthī kaṇḍikā: This describes the Brooding/Tapas process. The Self brooded over a lump (like an egg), and from it, the cosmic organs (Mouth, Eyes, Ears) began to manifest. This is the fourth stage of biological/divine formation. Thus, D matches I.

The sequence A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I accurately reflects the "Cosmology of the Self" found in the Rigvedic Upanishads. For the NTA exam, the key is the sequence of verbs: Exists (A) $\rightarrow$ Creates Worlds (B) $\rightarrow$ Thinks of Guardians (C) $\rightarrow$ Broods/Manifests Organs (D). Knowing the "Story of Creation" helps you identify the Kandika numbers without needing to memorize the specific verse indices. This Upanishad is famous for its Mahavakya: "Prajnānam Brahma" (Consciousness is Brahman), which is the fruit of this creation inquiry.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct mapping for the Aitareya creation sequence is A-IV, B-II, C-III, D-I. Therefore, option (2) is correct.