Shloka 13

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

Devanagari script

ततः प्रसादयामास कामदेवश्चतुर्मुखम् न मामकारणे शप्तुं त्वमिहार्हसि मानद //

Transliteration

tataḥ prasādayāmāsa kāmadevaścaturmukham na māmakāraṇe śaptuṃ tvamihārhasi mānada //

Translation

Then Kāma-deva sought to appease the four-faced Brahmā, saying: “O bestower of honor, you should not curse me here without cause.”

Word by Word

• ततः: then

• प्रसादयामास: he propitiated/appeased

• कामदेवः: Kāma-deva (god of desire)

• चतुर्मुखम्: the four-faced one (Brahmā)

• न: not

• माम्: me

• अकारणे: without cause

• शप्तुम्: to curse

• त्वम्: you

• इह: here/in this matter

• अर्हसि: ought/are fit

• मानद: O giver of honor (honor-bestower).

Speaker

• Kāma-deva

Entities Mentioned

• Kāma-deva
• Brahmā (Caturmukha)

Tags

• Creation
• Devas
• Curse
• Appeasement
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it highlights a creation-era divine interaction where Kāma-deva argues that punishment (a curse) should be grounded in cause, reflecting moral order within the cosmic administration.

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

By insisting on “no curse without cause,” the verse mirrors a core dharmic principle relevant to kings and householders alike: discipline and punishment should be proportionate and justified, not arbitrary.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated in this verse; the ritual takeaway is the act of propitiation (prasādana)—seeking reconciliation and restraint before punitive action.