Shloka 2

Matsya Purana — Description of Pralaya: Drying

Devanagari script

ततः पीत्वार्णवान् सर्वान् नदीः कूपांश्च सर्वशः पर्वतानां च सलिलं सर्वमादाय रश्मिभिः //

Transliteration

tataḥ pītvārṇavān sarvān nadīḥ kūpāṃśca sarvaśaḥ parvatānāṃ ca salilaṃ sarvamādāya raśmibhiḥ //

Translation

Then, with his rays, he drank up all the oceans, and everywhere the rivers and wells as well—drawing up all the waters, even the moisture of the mountains.

Word by Word

• ततः (tataḥ): then, thereafter

• पीत्वा (pītvā): having drunk up, having absorbed

• अर्णवान् (arṇavān): oceans, great seas

• सर्वान् (sarvān): all

• नदीः (nadīḥ): rivers

• कूपान् (kūpān): wells

• च (ca): and

• सर्वशः (sarvaśaḥ): everywhere, on all sides

• पर्वतानाम् (parvatānām): of the mountains

• च (ca): and

• सलिलम् (salilam): water, moisture

• सर्वम् (sarvam): all of it

• आदाय (ādāya): having taken up, having drawn forth

• रश्मिभिः (raśmibhiḥ): by (his) rays.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on pralaya signs, consistent with the Matsya–Manu dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Sun (Sūrya/Āditya implied by ‘rays’ and water-drinking motif)
• Oceans
• Rivers
• Mountains

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmic Dissolution
• Drought
• Sun’s Rays
• Matsya-Avatara

FAQs

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

It describes a pralaya sign: the sun-like power draws up water from every source—oceans, rivers, wells, and even mountain moisture—indicating the world’s waters are being withdrawn as dissolution approaches.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces the Matsya Purana’s ethic of preparedness and right governance: when nature’s supports (water, fertility) fail, a king/householder must act with foresight—store resources, protect dependents, and follow dharma rather than panic or exploitation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual rule is stated, but the emphasis on water scarcity supports Vastu-Shastra priorities in the Matsya Purana tradition—secure water sources (wells, tanks) and site planning that respects hydrology, especially for settlements and temples.