Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — Code of Conduct and Vow-Procedure for Courtesans

Devanagari script

स्मरन्त्यो विपुलान्भोगान् दिव्यमाल्यानुलेपनान् भर्तारं जगतामीशम् अनन्तमपराजितम् //

Transliteration

smarantyo vipulānbhogān divyamālyānulepanān bhartāraṃ jagatāmīśam anantamaparājitam //

Translation

They remembered the Lord—enjoyer of abundant delights, adorned with divine garlands and unguents—the Husband and Sovereign of the worlds, the Infinite and Unconquered.

Word by Word

• स्मरन्त्यः: remembering (they remember)

• विपुलान्: abundant, vast

• भोगान्: enjoyments, delights

• दिव्य: divine, celestial

• माल्य: garlands

• अनुलेपनान्: unguents, sandal-paste applications, fragrant anointings

• भर्तारम्: husband, protector, sustainer

• जगताम्: of the worlds

• ईशम्: Lord, ruler

• अनन्तम्: infinite, endless (Ananta)

• अपराजितम्: unconquered, invincible

Speaker

• Sūta (narrative voice) describing the devotees’ remembrance of the Lord within the Matsya Purana’s Manu–Matsya context

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu (as Jagat-īśa/Ananta/Aparājita)

Tags

• Matsya Avatara
• Pralaya
• Bhakti
• Vishnu Sahasranama-style epithets
• Divine Iconography

FAQs

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

It emphasizes the devotional stance during cosmic crisis: rather than detailing mechanics of dissolution, it highlights remembering the Infinite, Unconquered Lord as the stabilizing refuge amid Pralaya.

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

It frames dharma as God-centered remembrance: a king or householder is urged to keep the mind anchored in the Jagat-īśa (Lord of the worlds), cultivating steadiness, restraint, and righteous action even when worldly “bhogas” are recalled.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it evokes standard pūjā-upacāras—divine garlands (mālya) and anointing with fragrant unguents (anulepana)—core offerings in temple worship and icon service (pratimā-sevā), aligning with Matsya Purana’s broader ritual and iconographic sensibility.