Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — Description of Pralaya: Drying

Devanagari script

ततः क्षीरनिकायेन स्वादुना परमाम्भसा शिवेन पुण्येन मही निर्वाणमगमत्परम् //

Transliteration

tataḥ kṣīranikāyena svādunā paramāmbhasā śivena puṇyena mahī nirvāṇamagamatparam //

Translation

Then, by that mass of milk-like waters—sweet, supremely pure, auspicious and sanctifying—the Earth attained complete pacification, entering a state of perfect quiescence.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then/thereupon

• kṣīra: milk

• nikāya: mass/collection/aggregate

• kṣīra-nikāyena: by a mass of milk(-like substance)

• svādunā: sweet/pleasant

• parama: supreme

• ambhasā: by water/by the waters

• paramāmbhasā: by the most excellent waters

• śivena: auspicious/beneficent/peace-bringing

• puṇyena: holy/meritorious/purifying

• mahī: the Earth

• nirvāṇam: extinction of disturbance/quiescence/pacification (lit. “blowing out”)

• agamat: attained/went to

• param: highest/complete.

Speaker

• Likely Sūta (narrator) continuing the Matsya Purana discourse; situated within the Matsya–Manu cosmological narrative frame

Entities Mentioned

• Mahī (Earth)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Purification
• Cosmic Waters
• Shanti
• Sacred Geography

FAQs

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

It presents dissolution/aftermath imagery where supremely pure, auspicious waters calm the world—Earth is not destroyed in chaos here, but soothed into a final quiescent state (nirvāṇa), suggesting a pacifying phase of pralaya or cosmic reset.

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

By highlighting śiva (auspicious, peace-bringing) and puṇya (purifying merit), it reinforces the Purāṇic ethic that rulers and householders should cultivate social and ritual “cooling” forces—charity, tīrtha observances, and dharmic conduct—to pacify disorder and sustain well-being.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it foregrounds sacred waters as agents of purification and peace—supporting practices like abhiṣeka, śānti-karmas, and consecrations where sanctified water restores auspiciousness; architecturally, it aligns with Vāstu’s emphasis on purity and śānti before establishing or re-sanctifying a site.