Shloka 9
Matsya Purana — Dialogue of Aṣṭaka and Yayāti: Exhaustion of Merit
*अष्टक उवाच यदेतांस्ते संपततस्तुदन्ति भीमा भौमा राक्षसास्तीक्ष्णदंष्ट्राः कथं भवन्ति कथमाभवन्ति कथंभूता गर्भभूता भवन्ति //
*aṣṭaka uvāca yadetāṃste saṃpatatastudanti bhīmā bhaumā rākṣasāstīkṣṇadaṃṣṭrāḥ kathaṃ bhavanti kathamābhavanti kathaṃbhūtā garbhabhūtā bhavanti //
Aṣṭaka said: “Those dreadful, earth-born Rākṣasas with sharp fangs, who swoop down and torment these beings—how do they come into existence? From what do they originate? Of what nature are they, and in what manner do they become embodied in the womb?”
FAQs
This verse is a question about creation (sarga)—specifically the origin and womb-embodiment of rākṣasas—rather than a description of pralaya; it signals an inquiry into how fearful beings arise within the cosmic order.
By asking the cause and nature of harmful beings, the text frames ethical vigilance: rulers and householders are to understand sources of fear and disorder so they can protect society, uphold dharma, and perform appropriate protective rites when required.
No direct Vastu or temple-architecture rule appears in this verse; its ritual relevance is indirect—prompting later discussion that can justify protective observances (rakṣā, śānti) against malevolent forces.