The universe has two states - manifest, and unmanifest. 

Prajapati literally means the lord of the beings. 

The primary Prajapati is Brahma. 

His mind-born sons (manasaputras) such as Marichi, and Daksha are the secondary Prajapatis.

The unchanging truth is called Paramatma or Parabrahma.

Scriptures identify both Vishnu, and Shiva with Paramatma.

Prajapati comes into existence from Paramatma at the time of creation.

A small portion of Paramatma turns into Prajapati.

So you can say that Paramatma is the cause behind Prajapati.

Prajapati himself evolves into the universe, meaning the universe comes into existence from the organs of Prajapati.

Knowledge Bank

Is Jatayu and Garuda same?

No. They are not the same. Jatayu is Garuda's brother's son. Garuda is Mahavishnu's vehicle. Jatayu was the falcon king who attacked Ravana when he was abducting Seetha Devi.

The Mysterious Sudarshana Chakra

The Sudarshana Chakra, the divine discus of Lord Vishnu, has a thousand spokes. It is a powerful weapon that operates at the speed of mind and destroys anything in its path. It has its own consciousness and obeys only Vishnu.