Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — Agastya’s Origin

Devanagari script

यदा न गीतवाद्येन नाङ्गरागादिना हरिः न काममाधवाभ्यां च विषयान्प्रति चुक्षुभे //

Transliteration

yadā na gītavādyena nāṅgarāgādinā hariḥ na kāmamādhavābhyāṃ ca viṣayānprati cukṣubhe //

Translation

When Hari was no longer stirred toward sense-objects by song and instrumental music, nor by perfumes and bodily adornments, nor even by Kāma and Mādhava—the delights of love and spring—then the pull of enjoyment ceased to agitate him.

Word by Word

• yadā: when

• na: not

• gīta-vādyena: by singing and musical instruments

• na: nor

• aṅga-rāga-ādinā: by body-perfumes, unguents, and other adornments

• hariḥ: Hari (Viṣṇu/the Lord)

• na: not

• kāma-mādhavābhyām: by Kāma (desire/personified Love) and Mādhava (spring/Viṣṇu as Mādhava

• ca: and

• viṣayān prati: toward sense-objects

• cukṣubhe: was agitated/stirred (became turbulent with attraction).

Speaker

• Likely the primary narrator in the Matsya Purāṇa’s Manu–Matsya dialogue frame (instructional discourse; often attributed to Lord Matsya addressing Vaivasvata Manu, though this verse reads as a generalized didactic statement).

Entities Mentioned

• Hari
• Kāma
• Mādhava

Tags

• Vairagya
• Sense-restraint
• Dharma
• Bhakti
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic pralaya; it describes an inner “dissolution” of craving—when attractions no longer disturb the mind, the turbulence of sense-driven living subsides.

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

It frames self-mastery as a core dharmic discipline: a king or householder may enjoy lawful pleasures, but should cultivate restraint so that music, adornment, and seasonal romance do not overrule judgment and duty.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-architecture rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is ethical—external refinements (fragrance, ornament, entertainment) should not become the engine of desire that distracts from worship and right conduct.