Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — Brahmā–Gāyatrī as a Divine Pair and the Early Genealogies of Creation

Devanagari script

तथापि लज्जावनतः प्रजापतिर् अभूत्पुरा स्वसुतोपगमाद् ब्रह्मा शशाप कुसुमायुधम् //

Transliteration

tathāpi lajjāvanataḥ prajāpatir abhūtpurā svasutopagamād brahmā śaśāpa kusumāyudham //

Translation

Even so, the Prajāpati (Brahmā) once bowed down in shame because of his approach toward his own daughter; and Brahmā then pronounced a curse upon Kusumāyudha (Kāma, the god of love).

Word by Word

• tathāpi: even so/nevertheless

• lajjā-avanataḥ: bent down with shame, humbled by embarrassment

• prajāpatir: Prajāpati (the Lord of creatures, here Brahmā)

• abhūt: became/occurred

• purā: formerly/once

• sva-suta-upagamāt: due to approaching his own daughter (sva = own, sutā = daughter, upagama = approach/advance)

• brahmā: Brahmā

• śaśāpa: cursed/uttered a curse

• kusumāyudham: ‘he whose weapon is flowers’—Kusumāyudha, i.e., Kāma.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrative voice) summarizing a Purāṇic episode within Matsya Purāṇa’s early genealogical/cosmogonic narration

Entities Mentioned

• Prajāpati (Brahmā)
• Brahmā
• Kusumāyudha (Kāma)

Tags

• Creation
• Genealogy
• Prajāpati
• Kāma
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to early creation-era (sarga) mythic narration, highlighting ethical disorder (improper desire) even among cosmic progenitors and the corrective role of a curse.

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

It reinforces dharma through a negative exemplar: self-restraint (saṃyama), shame at wrongdoing (lajjā), and social/sexual propriety are implied virtues for householders and rulers, who must curb desire to preserve order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated directly in this verse; its significance is ethical and narrative—explaining the cursing of Kāma (desire), a theme that later frames self-control in rites and conduct.