Matsya Purana — Description of Atri’s Hermitage: Sacred Grove Planning, Shloka 61

Devanagari script

क्रव्यादाः प्राणिनस्तत्र सर्वे क्षीरफलाशनाः निर्मितास्तत्र चात्यर्थम् अत्रिणा सुमहात्मना //

Transliteration

kravyādāḥ prāṇinastatra sarve kṣīraphalāśanāḥ nirmitāstatra cātyartham atriṇā sumahātmanā //

Translation

Dort wurden alle fleischfressenden Wesen zu Milch- und Früchteessern gemacht—so erschaffen, in großem Maße, durch den großherzigen Weisen Atri.

Word by Word

• क्रव्यादाः: flesh-eaters/carnivores

• प्राणिनः: living beings/creatures

• तत्र: there/in that realm

• सर्वे: all

• क्षीर-फल-आशनाः: those whose food is milk and fruits

• निर्मिताः: created/formed

• तत्र च: and there also

• अत्यर्थम्: exceedingly/in great abundance

• अत्रिणा: by (sage) Atri

• सुमहात्मना: by the very great-souled one

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Atri

Tags

• Creation
• Rishis
• Sarga
• Cosmic order
• Ahimsa motif

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

It reflects creation-ordering (sarga), where beings are deliberately arranged by a rishi (Atri); it is not a pralaya verse, but it implies restoration of harmony by shaping even “carnivores” toward gentler sustenance.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

By portraying an ideal of restraint and non-harm (milk and fruits), it supports ethical governance and household discipline—encouraging protection of life, regulated diet, and cultivation of sattvic conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-rule detail appears in this verse; its practical takeaway is ritual-ethical: creation is aligned with dharma through restraint and orderly nourishment.