Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Description of Himavat

Devanagari script

यत्र सिंहनिनादेन त्रस्तानां भैरवं रवम् दृश्यते न च संश्रान्तं गजानामाकुलं कुलम् //

Transliteration

yatra siṃhaninādena trastānāṃ bhairavaṃ ravam dṛśyate na ca saṃśrāntaṃ gajānāmākulaṃ kulam //

Translation

There, because of the lion’s roar, one beholds the fearful and dreadful cries of creatures seized by panic; and the herd of elephants finds no rest, remaining agitated and in turmoil.

Word by Word

• yatra: where

• siṃha-ninādena: by/owing to the lion’s roar

• trastānām: of the frightened (beings/animals)

• bhairavam: terrifying, dreadful

• ravam: cry, sound, outcry

• dṛśyate: is seen/observed

• na ca: and not

• saṃśrāntam: calmed, settled, at rest

• gajānām: of elephants

• ākulam: disturbed, agitated

• kulam: herd, group, family (of elephants)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu, typical dialogue frame for instructional passages)

Entities Mentioned

• Siṃha (lion)
• Gaja (elephant)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Site Omens
• Forest Ecology
• Auspiciousness
• Settlement Planning

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic dissolution; it functions as a practical observational sign—describing a dangerous, disturbed habitat—used for judging the suitability of a place.

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

It supports the duty of prudent governance and household safety: a king (or settler) should choose lands where people and livestock are secure, avoiding regions where predators and agitated elephant herds signal ongoing danger.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

As a Vastu-style omen, it implies the site is unsuitable for habitation or construction: persistent predator activity and unsettled elephant herds indicate an inauspicious, unsafe environment for building a village, city, or sacred structure.