Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Conclusion of the Prayaga Mahatmya: Kingship Restored

Devanagari script

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे चैव मार्कण्डेयो महामुनिः ततः स्वस्तीति चोक्त्वा तु क्षणादाश्रममागमत् //

Transliteration

etasminnantare caiva mārkaṇḍeyo mahāmuniḥ tataḥ svastīti coktvā tu kṣaṇādāśramamāgamat //

Translation

Meanwhile, the great sage Mārkaṇḍeya, having uttered “svasti” (“May there be well-being”), returned in an instant to his hermitage (āśrama).

Word by Word

• etasmin antare: in the meantime/at that interval

• ca eva: and indeed

• mārkaṇḍeyaḥ: Markandeya

• mahāmuniḥ: great sage

• tataḥ: then/thereupon

• svasti iti: the word “svasti” (benediction, auspiciousness)

• ca uktvā: having said/uttered

• tu: indeed/then

• kṣaṇāt: in a moment/instantly

• āśramam: to the hermitage

• āgamat: went/returned

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator voice; likely Sūta in the frame-tradition)

Entities Mentioned

• Mārkaṇḍeya

Tags

• Rishi
• Benediction
• Ashrama
• NarrativeTransition
• PuranicContext

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it functions as a narrative transition, showing a sage concluding an encounter with an auspicious benediction and departing.

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

Indirectly, it models dhārmic etiquette: concluding discourse with a blessing (“svasti”) and returning to one’s proper station (āśrama), reflecting orderly conduct valued for householders and rulers alike.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual cue is the utterance of “svasti,” a standard auspicious formula used to conclude rites, blessings, and formal interactions; no specific Vāstu or temple rule is stated in this verse.