Shloka 31

Matsya Purana — Description of Atri’s Hermitage: Sacred Grove Planning

Devanagari script

जरामृत्युभयघीभिः क्षुद्भयघ्नीभिरेव च सौभाग्यजननीभिश्च कुत्स्नाभिश्चाप्यनेकशः //

Transliteration

jarāmṛtyubhayaghībhiḥ kṣudbhayaghnībhireva ca saubhāgyajananībhiśca kutsnābhiścāpyanekaśaḥ //

Translation

With (rites or formulas) that ward off the fear of old age and death, with those that destroy the fear of hunger as well, with those that generate good fortune, and with many others of every kind.

Word by Word

• jarā: old age

• mṛtyu: death

• bhaya: fear

• ghībhiḥ (ghī-): by that which removes/dispels

• kṣud: hunger

• bhaya-ghnībhiḥ: by those that destroy fear

• eva ca: and indeed/also

• saubhāgya: good fortune, auspicious prosperity

• jananībhiḥ: by those that produce/give rise to

• ca: and

• kutsnābhiḥ (kutsna): by all kinds/entirely comprehensive (means)

• api: also

• anekaśaḥ: in many ways, repeatedly, manifold.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Ritual Remedies
• Protective Mantras
• Auspiciousness
• Fear-Removal

FAQs

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

This verse is not directly about Pralaya; it catalogues protective rites/formulas aimed at removing existential fears (old age, death, hunger) and generating auspicious fortune.

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

It supports the king’s and householder’s dharma of safeguarding life and prosperity: employing sanctioned rites to reduce fear, ensure food-security, and cultivate saubhāgya for the community/family.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The emphasis is ritual: a range of apotropaic (fear-dispelling) procedures—often paired with Vastu-related protections—meant to secure wellbeing, avert inauspicious forces, and establish prosperity.