Shloka 9

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

Devanagari script

उत्तारभूतं दासत्वं समुद्राद्ब्राह्मणप्रियः उपदेक्ष्यत्यनन्तात्मा भाविकल्याणकारकम् //

Transliteration

uttārabhūtaṃ dāsatvaṃ samudrādbrāhmaṇapriyaḥ upadekṣyatyanantātmā bhāvikalyāṇakārakam //

Translation

The Infinite-Souled One—dear to the brāhmaṇas—will instruct (you) in that servitude which becomes a means of deliverance from the ocean of saṃsāra, and which brings welfare in times to come.

Word by Word

• uttāra-bhūtam: that which becomes a means of crossing over/deliverance

• dāsatvam: servitude, devoted service

• samudrāt: from the ocean (also implying the ocean of worldly existence)

• brāhmaṇa-priyaḥ: beloved of the brāhmaṇas / one who favors the priestly-sage tradition

• upadekṣyati: will teach, will instruct

• ananta-ātmā: the Infinite Self / the boundless-souled Lord

• bhāvika: future, forthcoming

• kalyāṇa-kārakam: causing auspiciousness/welfare, beneficial

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Ananta (Vishnu as the Infinite-Souled Lord)
• Brāhmaṇas

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya-Avatara
• Dharma
• Bhakti
• Manu

FAQs

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

It frames the crisis of the “ocean” (linked to Pralaya imagery and also saṃsāra) as something one can cross through divinely taught devoted service (dāsatva), emphasizing spiritual deliverance amid cosmic upheaval.

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

It recommends humble, disciplined service aligned with brāhmaṇa-guided dharma—an ethic that supports righteous governance and household life by placing duty and devotion above ego and power.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vāstu or iconographic rule is stated; the verse is primarily devotional-ethical, highlighting service and instruction as the beneficial ‘procedure’ for future well-being.