Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — Agastya’s Origin

Devanagari script

*महेश्वर उवाच पुरा हुताशनः सार्धं मारुतेन महीतले आदिष्टः पुरुहूतेन विनाशाय सुरद्विषाम् //

Transliteration

*maheśvara uvāca purā hutāśanaḥ sārdhaṃ mārutena mahītale ādiṣṭaḥ puruhūtena vināśāya suradviṣām //

Translation

Maheśvara said: Formerly, Hutāśana (Fire), together with Māruta (Wind), was commanded on the earth by Puruhūta (Indra) for the destruction of the enemies of the gods.

Word by Word

• महेश्वर उवाच: Maheśvara said

• पुरा: formerly/once

• हुताशनः: Hutāśana (Agni, Fire)

• सार्धम्: together with

• मारुतेन: with Māruta (Vāyu, Wind)

• महीतले: on the surface of the earth

• आदिष्टः: was commanded/appointed

• पुरुहूतेन: by Puruhūta (Indra, ‘much-invoked’)

• विनाशाय: for destruction

• सुरद्विषाम्: of the haters/enemies of the gods (asuras/demonic foes).

Speaker

• Maheśvara (Śiva)

Entities Mentioned

• Maheśvara (Śiva)
• Hutāśana (Agni)
• Māruta (Vāyu)
• Puruhūta (Indra)
• Suradviṣ (enemies of the Devas)

Tags

• Devasura conflict
• Divine command
• Agni
• Vayu
• Indra

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it depicts a targeted divine commission where Fire and Wind act as instruments to eliminate anti-deva forces on earth, reflecting controlled cosmic governance rather than total dissolution.

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

By analogy, it supports the dharmic ideal that rulers should act under righteous mandate to restrain destructive forces in society—using power as a delegated responsibility (ājñā) aimed at protecting order, not personal vengeance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or temple rule is stated; ritually, the verse highlights Agni and Vāyu as divine agencies—key presences in yajña (fire) and purification/ventilation (wind)—often invoked for protection and removal of hostile influences.