Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — Agastya’s Origin

Devanagari script

तपसा तस्य भीतेन विघ्नार्थं प्रेषितावुभौ शक्रेण माधवानङ्गाव् अप्सरोगणसंयुतौ //

Transliteration

tapasā tasya bhītena vighnārthaṃ preṣitāvubhau śakreṇa mādhavānaṅgāv apsarogaṇasaṃyutau //

Translation

Frightened by his austerity, Śakra (Indra) dispatched the two—Mādhava and Anaṅga—together with a troop of Apsarases, in order to create an obstacle to his penance.

Word by Word

• tapasā: by austerity/penance

• tasya: of him (that ascetic)

• bhītena: being afraid/frightened

• vighna-artham: for the purpose of causing an obstruction

• preṣitau ubhau: the two were sent/dispatched

• śakreṇa: by Śakra (Indra)

• mādhava-anaṅgau: Mādhava and Anaṅga (names used for agents of temptation

• apsarogaṇa-saṃyutau: accompanied by a group of Apsarases (celestial nymphs)

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) or the primary storyteller within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame (exact sub-speaker not explicit in this single verse)

Entities Mentioned

• Śakra (Indra)
• Mādhava
• Anaṅga (Kāma)
• Apsarogaṇa (Apsarases)

Tags

• Tapas
• Indra
• Temptation
• Vighna (Obstruction)
• Apsarases

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it highlights a common Puranic motif where intense tapas creates spiritual potency that even Indra fears, prompting attempts to obstruct the ascetic.

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

It underscores the ethical ideal of self-mastery: rulers and householders are warned that sense-temptations and distractions can derail vows and duties, so discipline (dama) and steadiness in dharma are essential.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu/temple-architecture rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is about tapas as a potent rite and the concept of vighna—obstacles that may arise during serious observances.