Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Cosmic Architecture of Sun–Moon and the ‘Houses of the Gods’

Devanagari script

स संभृत्य प्रकाशार्थं त्रिधा तुल्यो ऽभवत्पुनः पाचको यस्तु लोके ऽस्मिन् पार्थिवः सो ऽग्निरुच्यते //

Transliteration

sa saṃbhṛtya prakāśārthaṃ tridhā tulyo 'bhavatpunaḥ pācako yastu loke 'smin pārthivaḥ so 'gnirucyate //

Translation

That fire, gathered and sustained for the sake of illumination, again became threefold, equal in essence. The one that ‘cooks’ in this world—being terrestrial—is called Agni, the earthly fire.

Word by Word

• saḥ: that (Agni/fire principle)

• saṃbhṛtya: having collected/maintained, having been duly sustained

• prakāśa-artham: for the purpose of light/illumination

• tridhā: in three ways, threefold

• tulyaḥ: equal, of the same essential nature

• abhavat: became

• punaḥ: again

• pācakaḥ: the cooker/digester, that which ripens or cooks

• yaḥ tu: but which/that indeed

• loke asmin: in this world

• pārthivaḥ: earthly, terrestrial

• saḥ: that

• agniḥ: Agni, fire

• ucyate: is called

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni

Tags

• Cosmology
• Panchabhuta
• Agni
• Vedic Science
• Purana Teaching

FAQs

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

It frames Agni as a cosmic principle that manifests in a threefold form, implying orderly re-manifestation of elemental functions after dissolution, rather than describing a flood or Pralaya event directly.

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

By defining ‘pācaka’ (cooking/digestive fire) and earthly Agni, it supports the householder’s ritual and domestic order—maintaining fire for light, cooking, and regulated living—an ethic that also underlies a king’s duty to uphold social stability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it emphasizes sustaining fire for illumination and function, aligning with agni-centered rites (homa and household fire). Architecturally, it indirectly supports Vastu concerns about fire’s proper placement and use as a regulated terrestrial force.