Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Eclipse-Time Planetary Bath

Devanagari script

रक्षोगणाधिपः साक्षात् प्रलयानलसंनिभः खड्गव्यग्रो ऽतिभीमश्च रक्षःपीडां व्यपोहतु //

Transliteration

rakṣogaṇādhipaḥ sākṣāt pralayānalasaṃnibhaḥ khaḍgavyagro 'tibhīmaśca rakṣaḥpīḍāṃ vyapohatu //

Translation

May the very Lord of the hosts of Rakṣasas—appearing directly, blazing like the fire at cosmic dissolution (pralaya), fierce with a sword and exceedingly terrifying—drive away the affliction caused by Rakṣasas.

Word by Word

• rakṣaḥ-gaṇa-adhipaḥ: lord/overlord of the host of rakṣasas

• sākṣāt: directly, manifestly

• pralaya-anala-saṃnibhaḥ: resembling the fire of pralaya (cosmic dissolution)

• khaḍga-vyagraḥ: brandishing a sword / intent with a sword

• ati-bhīmaḥ: exceedingly dreadful, very formidable

• ca: and

• rakṣaḥ-pīḍām: the oppression/torment caused by rakṣasas

• vyapohatu: may he remove, dispel, drive away

Speaker

• Narratorial/ritual voice within the Matsya Purana (protective prayer formula; not a direct dialogue line)

Entities Mentioned

• Rakṣasas (rakṣaḥ-gaṇa)
• Pralaya (cosmic dissolution fire imagery)
• Khaḍga (sword)

Tags

• Rakshasa-Protection
• Apotropaic-Mantra
• Pralaya-Imagery
• Ritual-Recitation
• Purana-Hymn

FAQs

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

It invokes pralaya as an image of irresistible, purifying power—likening the protector’s presence to the blazing “fire of dissolution” that consumes obstacles and hostile forces.

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

It reflects the dharmic duty of safeguarding one’s realm/home through sanctioned ritual speech: a king protects subjects from threats, and a householder maintains security and auspiciousness by recitation and vigilance against harmful influences.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it functions as a rakṣā-prayoga (protective utterance) to dispel “rakṣaḥpīḍā”; while not detailing Vāstu rules, it aligns with Vāstu/temple practice where protective mantras are recited to secure a site, dwelling, or sacred space.