The Hindu Temple v1.c8.s1.t1.2

v1.c8.s1.t1.2

To measure ('mā') is to make a thing by giving shape to it and existence. Māyā or manifestation means division of the hitherto undivided Principle; on itself it performs this operation and as Puruṣa it henceforth thinks of itself as composed of parts. Puruṣa who is the first form of the Supreme Brahman ('Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad', III. 19; 'Viṣṇupurāṇa', I. 1. 2), thus bears the measuring rod. He is the great Architect of the universe and in this capacity his name is Viśvakarman.¹ He is as the God of Israel who has disposed everything—in the world, within ourselves and outside,—with measure, number and weight (Sap. XI. 20).