Matsya Purana — Dynastic Genealogies: Paurava–Anu Lines, Shloka 37

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तस्तथा सम्यग् बृहत्तेजा बृहस्पतिः कामात्मा स महात्मापि न मनः सो ऽभ्यवारयत् //

Transliteration

evamuktastathā samyag bṛhattejā bṛhaspatiḥ kāmātmā sa mahātmāpi na manaḥ so 'bhyavārayat //

Translation

Thus addressed, Bṛhaspati of vast radiance—though great-souled—became driven by desire and could not restrain his own mind.

Word by Word

• evam: thus

• uktaḥ: spoken/addressed

• tathā: in that manner

• samyak: properly, indeed

• bṛhat-tejā: of great splendor/energy

• bṛhaspatiḥ: Bṛhaspati (preceptor of the gods)

• kāma-ātmā: having desire as one’s disposition, desire-impelled

• sa: he

• mahātmā api: even though (he was) great-souled

• na: not

• manaḥ: the mind

• saḥ: he

• abhyavārayat: restrained/checked/held back (from acting).

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator in the Matsya Purana’s running discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Bṛhaspati
• Kāma (desire)

Tags

• Kama
• Mind-control
• Ethics
• Rishi-stories
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it highlights an ethical-psychological point: desire (kāma) can overpower even a luminous sage, showing the need for inner restraint.

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

It underscores self-mastery as a core dharma: rulers and householders must restrain the mind and senses, since unchecked desire can compromise judgment, vows, and rightful conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No vastu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its primary takeaway is moral discipline—mind-control as the foundation for any rite or duty performed correctly.