Shloka 48

Matsya Purana — Dynastic Genealogies: Paurava–Anu Lines

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तो ऽब्रवीदेनं जीवन्मे त्वं क्व यास्यसि एष त्वां न विमोक्ष्यामि परस्वादं चतुष्पदम् //

Transliteration

evamukto 'bravīdenaṃ jīvanme tvaṃ kva yāsyasi eṣa tvāṃ na vimokṣyāmi parasvādaṃ catuṣpadam //

Translation

Thus addressed, it said to him: “So long as I am alive, where will you go? I will not release you—O four-footed creature whose taste is for another’s flesh!”

Word by Word

• evam: thus

• uktaḥ: having been spoken/addressed

• abravīt: said

• enam: to him/this one

• jīvan: while living/alive

• me: by me/of me

• tvam: you

• kva: where

• yāsyasi: will you go

• eṣaḥ: this (I)

• tvām: you

• na: not

• vimokṣyāmi: I will release/let go

• para-svādam: having a taste for another’s (flesh), carnivorous

• catuṣpadam: four-footed being (quadruped)

Speaker

• The threatened creature (a quadruped predator, likely a carnivorous animal) speaking to Manu (or the addressed person)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya Avatara
• Manu narrative
• Threat
• Dialogue

FAQs

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

It reflects the tension and fear surrounding survival during the Pralaya-related narrative frame, emphasizing danger, predation, and the struggle for protection—elements that set the stage for Manu’s safeguarding role in the flood episode.

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

The verse highlights a moral and practical dilemma—protecting life amid threats—which aligns with Manu-like kingship/householder dharma: to restrain harm, provide refuge, and manage conflict even when confronted by violent forces.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is narrative and ethical, illustrating peril and restraint rather than temple-building or rite-specific instruction.