Shloka 25

Matsya Purana — Bhīma-Dvādaśī

Devanagari script

नमो नीलाय वै जङ्घे पादौ विश्वसृजे नमः नमो देव्यै नमः शान्त्यै नमो लक्ष्म्यै नमः श्रियै //

Transliteration

namo nīlāya vai jaṅghe pādau viśvasṛje namaḥ namo devyai namaḥ śāntyai namo lakṣmyai namaḥ śriyai //

Translation

Salutations to the blue-hued one—indeed, to her shanks; salutations to her feet, the creatress of the universe. Salutations to the Goddess; salutations to Peace (Śānti); salutations to Lakṣmī; salutations to Śrī (prosperity and splendor).

Word by Word

• namo/namaḥ: salutations

• nīlāya: to the blue/dark-hued one

• vai: indeed

• jaṅghe: (to) the shanks/legs below the knee

• pādau: (to) the feet

• viśva-sṛje: to the creator of the universe

• devyai: to the Goddess

• śāntyai: to Peace, tranquility

• lakṣmyai: to Lakṣmī, fortune

• śriyai: to Śrī, prosperity/splendor

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating a Devī-stuti within the Matsya Purāṇa’s discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Devī
• Śānti
• Lakṣmī
• Śrī

Tags

• Devi-Stuti
• Iconography
• Devotional Hymn
• Shanti
• Lakshmi

FAQs

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

It identifies the Goddess as viśvasṛj—“creatress of the universe,” emphasizing her generative cosmic power rather than describing pralaya directly.

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

By venerating Śānti (peace) and Lakṣmī/Śrī (prosperity), it supports the Purāṇic ideal that rulers and householders should cultivate social harmony and rightful prosperity through devotion and ethical order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it functions as a stuti used for auspiciousness—invoking Śānti and Lakṣmī/Śrī before rites; iconographically, it reflects limb-by-limb reverence (aṅga-vandana) often mirrored in temple worship and consecration practices.