Shloka 9

Matsya Purana — Description of Pralaya: Drying

Devanagari script

लोकमाया भगवता मुहूर्तेन विनाशिता मनो बुद्धिश्च सर्वेषां क्षेत्रज्ञश्चेति यः श्रुतः //

Transliteration

lokamāyā bhagavatā muhūrtena vināśitā mano buddhiśca sarveṣāṃ kṣetrajñaśceti yaḥ śrutaḥ //

Translation

In but a moment, the Blessed Lord destroys the world’s illusion; and it is taught that for all beings there are the mind and the intellect—and also the Knower of the Field (the inner Self).

Word by Word

• लोक-माया: the illusion/enchantment of the world

• भगवता: by the Blessed Lord

• मुहूर्तेन: in a moment (within a muhūrta)

• विनाशिता: is destroyed/annihilated

• मनः: mind

• बुद्धिः: intellect/discriminative faculty

• च: and

• सर्वेषाम्: of all (beings)

• क्षेत्रज्ञः: the Knower of the Field (Self/Consciousness)

• च इति: and thus/so

• यः: which/that

• श्रुतः: is heard/declared in scripture/tradition

Speaker

• Suta Goswami (narrative voice recounting Purāṇic teaching; doctrinal statement aligned with Lord Matsya’s instruction to Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhagavan
• Kshetrajna

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmology
• Vedanta
• Atman
• Maya

FAQs

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

It frames pralaya as the rapid removal of “lokamāyā” by Bhagavān—dissolution is not only cosmic destruction but also the ending of delusive appearance, revealing the underlying principles of mind, intellect, and the witnessing Self (kṣetrajña).

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

By distinguishing mind, intellect, and the kṣetrajña, it urges disciplined governance of the inner instruments: a king or householder should rule desires through buddhi (discernment), act without being trapped by lokamāyā, and uphold dharma with Self-awareness.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is inward—successful worship and rites depend on overcoming lokamāyā through discernment (buddhi) and recognition of the kṣetrajña as the inner witness.