Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — Agastya’s Origin

Devanagari script

ततः परमथो वह्निमारुतावमराधिपः आदिदेश चिरादम्बुनिधिरेष विशोष्यताम् //

Transliteration

tataḥ paramatho vahnimārutāvamarādhipaḥ ādideśa cirādambunidhireṣa viśoṣyatām //

Translation

Then, thereafter, the lord of the gods commanded Fire and Wind: “In due course, let this ocean—this reservoir of waters—be dried up.”

Word by Word

• ततः (tataḥ): then, thereafter

• परम् (param): further, next

• अथ (atha): then

• वह्नि (vahni): fire

• मारुतौ (mārutau): the two winds / wind (as a force)

• अमराधिपः (amarādhipaḥ): the lord of the immortals (Indra)

• आदिदेश (ādideśa): commanded, enjoined

• चिरात् (cirāt): after a long time, in due course

• अम्बुनिधिः (ambunidhiḥ): ocean, storehouse of waters

• एष (eṣa): this

• विशोष्यताम् (viśoṣyatām): let it be dried up (passive imperative).

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic recitation voice, describing the cosmic/royal command within the Pralaya narrative)

Entities Mentioned

• Indra
• Agni
• Vayu
• Ocean (Ambunidhi)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmic Dissolution
• Elements
• Ocean
• Devas

FAQs

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

It depicts an early Pralaya-like step where elemental forces (Fire and Wind) are commanded to desiccate the ocean, signaling the withdrawal of the world’s sustaining waters.

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

Indirectly, it models the idea of authoritative governance and orderly execution of command—cosmically mirrored in Indra’s directive—reminding rulers/householders that stability depends on disciplined administration of powerful forces.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; however, the emphasis on water’s removal and elemental dominance is a common Purāṇic backdrop for purification and re-foundation themes that later inform temple-site selection and consecration logic.