Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — Bhīma-Dvādaśī

Devanagari script

*मत्स्य उवाच पुरा रथंतरे कल्पे परिपृष्टो महात्मना मन्दरस्थो महादेवः पिनाकी ब्रह्मणा स्वयम् //

Transliteration

*matsya uvāca purā rathaṃtare kalpe paripṛṣṭo mahātmanā mandarastho mahādevaḥ pinākī brahmaṇā svayam //

Translation

Matsya said: Formerly, in the Rathantara Kalpa, the great Lord—Mahādeva, bearer of the Pināka bow—abiding on Mount Mandara, was questioned in person by the great-souled Brahmā.

Word by Word

• मत्स्य उवाच: Matsya said

• पुरा: formerly

• रथंतरे कल्पे: in the Rathantara Kalpa

• परिपृष्टः: was questioned/asked

• महात्मना: by the great-souled one

• मन्दरस्थः: dwelling/standing on (Mount) Mandara

• महादेवः: Mahādeva (Śiva)

• पिनाकी: bearer of the Pināka bow

• ब्रह्मणा: by Brahmā

• स्वयम्: himself/in person

Speaker

• Lord Matsya

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Rathantara Kalpa
• Mandara (Mount Mandara)
• Mahadeva (Shiva)
• Pinaka
• Brahma

Tags

• Kalpa
• Shaiva-Vaishnava dialogue
• Sacred narrative frame
• Puranic chronology
• Mandara

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it situates the teaching in a specific cosmic era (the Rathantara Kalpa), a typical Purāṇic way of anchoring doctrines within vast cycles of creation.

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

Indirectly: it establishes an authoritative transmission—Brahmā questioning Śiva—implying that subsequent instructions (often including dharma, ritual, or governance norms) are grounded in a revered teacher–questioner lineage.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is specified in this verse; it functions as a preface indicating that a formal doctrinal exposition is about to begin, delivered in a sacred setting (Mandara) by a principal deity (Śiva).