Mahat-tattva
Mahat-tattva (महत्-तत्त्व) means “cosmic intelligence” or “the great principle.” In Samkhya philosophy, it is the first evolute of prakriti (primordial matter) — the cosmic intelligence from which all further differentiation proceeds.
Overview
When the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas) of avyakta (the unmanifest) are disturbed, the first product is mahat-tattva — the cosmic intelligence or buddhi at the universal level. This is not individual intellect but the total cosmic awareness that contains all potentiality for manifestation. From mahat-tattva evolves ahankara (ego-principle), and from ahankara evolve the tanmatras (subtle elements) and indriyas (senses).
Philosophical Context
Mahat-tattva is the second principle in the Samkhya cosmological sequence: avyakta (1) → mahat-tattva (2) → ahankara (3) → … → 24 tattvas (principles). The Samkhya Karika (11) states: “From the unmanifest, mahat (the great) evolves; from mahat, ahankara evolves.” In the Bhagavad Gita (14.3), Krishna identifies mahat-tattva with the cosmic womb (yoni) in which all beings are planted.
Interpretations
The Advaita Vedanta equates mahat-tattva with avyakta-maya — the cosmic aspect of maya (illusion) that is the material cause of the universe. The Vishishtadvaita tradition treats mahat-tattva as one of God’s energies — the cosmic buddhi (intelligence) that organizes the universe according to divine will. The Bhagavata Purana (3.26.30–31) provides a detailed account of the evolution from avyakta through mahat to ahankara. In some interpretations, mahat-tattva is identified with the Hiranyagarbha (golden embryo) of the Upanishads.
Verification Notes
- Samkhya Karika 11 describes the evolution from avyakta through mahat.
- Bhagavad Gita 14.3 identifies mahat as the cosmic womb.
- Bhagavata Purana 3.26 provides detailed cosmological evolution.
- Audited against Wikipedia and Indian philosophy references (September 2026).