Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Śākadvīpa and Successive Dvīpas: Mountains

Devanagari script

यस्माद्विभ्राजते वह्निर् विभ्राजस्तेन स स्मृतः सैवेह केशवेत्युक्तो यतो वायुः प्रवाति च //

Transliteration

yasmādvibhrājate vahnir vibhrājastena sa smṛtaḥ saiveha keśavetyukto yato vāyuḥ pravāti ca //

Translation

Because fire shines forth (vibhrājate), he is remembered by the name Vibhrājas. And here he is also called Keśava, because from him the wind blows and moves.

Word by Word

• yasmāt: because/from which

• vibhrājate: shines forth, radiates

• vahniḥ: fire

• vibhrājaḥ: ‘Vibhrājas’ (the Radiant One)

• tena: therefore/by that reason

• saḥ: he

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/called

• sā eva iha: and indeed here/also in this context

• keśava iti: as ‘Keśava’

• uktaḥ: is said/called

• yataḥ: because/from whom

• vāyuḥ: wind

• pravāti: blows, wafts

• ca: and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (as Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (likely narration context)

Entities Mentioned

• Vahni (Agni/Fire)
• Vayu (Wind)
• Vibhrājas (epithet of Vishnu)
• Keśava (epithet of Vishnu)

Tags

• Vishnu Names
• Nama-Nirukti
• Cosmic Functions
• Agni
• Vayu

FAQs

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

It frames Vishnu as the underlying source of cosmic forces—fire’s radiance and wind’s motion—implying that even in cosmic transitions like pralaya, elemental powers function by his sustaining principle.

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

By linking divine order to the regulated workings of fire and wind, the verse supports the ethic that rulers and householders should uphold order through disciplined use of Agni (sacrifice, cooking, rites) and respect for Vayu (clean air, proper ventilation, regulated life-breath).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it underscores Agni and Vayu as divinely grounded—supporting correct fire-ritual performance and reverence for the sacred fire. Architecturally (Vastu), it aligns with ensuring proper airflow (vāyu-pravāha) and correct placement/maintenance of fire spaces (kitchen, yajña-śālā) as part of sacred order.