Maha-Tattva in Vedic Cosmology

Based on Prabhupada's Teachings and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam

The Nature of Maha-Tattva

According to Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings based on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the mahat-tattva is the total material energy from which all material universes are created. It is not described in precise measurements but as an incalculably vast, all-encompassing substance.

"The total material substance, called the mahat-tattva, is the divine energy of the Lord, and it is compressed within the body of Mahā-Viṣṇu when the cosmic creation is dissolved."

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.6.42 Purport

Material Sky

The mahat-tattva is described as a cloud that covers an insignificant portion of the unlimited spiritual sky. Within this "material sky" are countless universes.

Creation by Glance

The mahat-tattva is created when Mahā-Viṣṇu glances over the material nature. Innumerable universes then emanate from His body.

Universal Coverings

Each universe is covered by seven layers of material elements (earth, water, fire, air, etc.). Each layer is ten times greater in diameter than the one before it. The mahat-tattva encompasses all these coverings across all universes.

Layer progression: If the diameter of the universe is D, then:
• First covering: 10D
• Second covering: 10 × 10D = 100D
• Third covering: 10 × 100D = 1,000D
• ... up to seven coverings

Scale and Proportion

As you correctly noted, the mahat-tattva occupies approximately one-fourth of the total spiritual sky, while the remaining three-fourths constitute the eternal spiritual realm.

"The spiritual sky is three times larger than the material sky. In the spiritual sky there is no need of sunlight, moonlight, electricity, etc. All the planets there are self-illuminated."

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.5.13 Purport

Relative Size

The material manifestation (mahat-tattva) is described as:

• Occupying 1/4 of the total creation
• Being infinitesimal compared to the spiritual sky
• Containing innumerable universes within it

Innumerable Universes

The Bhāgavatam describes:

• Countless universes emanating from Mahā-Viṣṇu
• Each universe with its own Brahmā and administration
• All contained within the mahat-tattva

"The dimensions of the material sky are limited, but the spiritual sky is unlimited. The material sky is only one-fourth of the total manifestation, but the spiritual sky is three-fourths of the whole creation." — Śrīla Prabhupāda

Cyclical Process and Jīva Dormancy

As you mentioned, the mahat-tattva is the only form of Viṣṇu that is created and destroyed. During the dissolution phase, all jīvas (souls) that did not obtain liberation remain dormant within the mahat-tattva until the next creation.

Dormancy of Jīvas

During dissolution:

• Unliberated jīvas remain in a dormant state
• Their karmic impressions are preserved
• They are awakened during the next creation cycle

Cyclical Creation

The process involves:

• Exhalation of Mahā-Viṣṇu: Creation emerges
• Inhalation of Mahā-Viṣṇu: Dissolution occurs
• Cycle repeats according to cosmic time

"When the creative energy is set in motion by the glance of Mahā-Viṣṇu, the jīvas who were dormant during the dissolution again become active in their respective fields."

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.7.14 Purport

The 24 Material Elements

The mahat-tattva is the source of the twenty-four material elements:

5 Gross Elements: earth, water, fire, air, ether
5 Subtle Elements: smell, taste, form, touch, sound
5 Knowledge Senses: ears, skin, eyes, tongue, nose
5 Action Senses: voice, hands, feet, anus, genitals
4 Internal Senses: mind, intelligence, ego, consciousness

Scriptural References

Your reference to the 5th Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is correct. Key descriptions of the mahat-tattva and universal structure appear throughout the Bhāgavatam, with particularly detailed explanations in the 5th Canto.

Primary References

Reference	Description	Key Teachings
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.5	The Universal Form	Description of material and spiritual skies
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.7	Creation by Mahā-Viṣṇu	Process of creation through glance upon nature
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.20-24	The Universal Structure	Detailed measurements of universe and coverings
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 11.3	Nature of Material Energy	Explanation of mahat-tattva as material principle

"This material nature, which is one of My energies, is made up of the three modes of goodness, passion and ignorance. By glancing upon it, I create the universes again and again."

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 11.3.2

Prabhupāda's Emphasis

Throughout his purports, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the material creation is:

• Temporary and cyclical
• Infinitesimal compared to the spiritual realm
• Meant to facilitate the souls' return to spiritual consciousness
• Under the complete control of the Supreme Lord

Conclusion

Your understanding of the mahat-tattva aligns accurately with Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings based on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. The mahat-tattva is indeed:

1. The total material energy from which all universes manifest

2. A temporary formation that undergoes creation and dissolution

3. Vast beyond human conception but occupying only one-fourth of the total creation

4. The dormant state for unliberated jīvas between creations

5. Described in detail particularly in the 5th Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam

This profound Vedic cosmology reveals the inconceivable potency of the Supreme Lord and the relative insignificance of the material manifestation compared to the eternal spiritual realm, encouraging us to focus on spiritual realization rather than temporary material arrangements.