Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — Agastya’s Origin

Devanagari script

अम्भः सामुद्रमाविश्य संनिवेशमकुर्वत अशक्या इति ते ऽप्यग्निमारुताभ्यामुपेक्षिताः //

Transliteration

ambhaḥ sāmudramāviśya saṃniveśamakurvata aśakyā iti te 'pyagnimārutābhyāmupekṣitāḥ //

Translation

Entering the oceanic waters, they attempted to establish a secure station; but deeming it impossible, even they were left unattended—beyond the aid of fire and wind.

Word by Word

• अम्भः (ambhaḥ): waters

• सामुद्रम् (sāmudram): oceanic, of the sea

• आविश्य (āviśya): having entered

• संनिवेशम् (saṃniveśam): settlement, fixed station, encampment

• अकुर्वत (akurvata): they made/attempted

• अशक्या (aśakyā): impossible, not feasible

• इति (iti): thus

• ते (te): they

• अपि (api): even

• अग्नि-मारुताभ्याम् (agni-mārutābhyām): by fire and wind (the elements, also implying remedial means)

• उपेक्षिताः (upekṣitāḥ): neglected, left aside, not attended to

Speaker

• Suta (narrator), describing events within the Pralaya account (Matsya Purana narrative frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Ocean (Samudra)
• Agni
• Marut (Vayu/Wind)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Deluge
• Elements
• Cosmic Dissolution
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

It emphasizes the overpowering nature of the deluge: even attempts to establish a secure place within the swelling ocean-waters fail, and ordinary elemental supports (fire and wind) are ineffective or withdrawn.

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

Indirectly, it underlines a Purāṇic ethic: in times of cosmic or societal collapse, human planning and force are limited; one should prioritize dharmic preparedness—protection of dependents, restraint, and reliance on righteous guidance rather than mere technical fixes.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The term saṃniveśa (“settlement/encampment”) highlights that site-making and stability are impossible in flood conditions—an implicit reminder that vastu (site selection) depends on firm, auspicious ground, and that ritual/technical measures cannot override pralaya-scale instability.