Shloka 28

Matsya Purana — Genealogy and Classification of Sacred Fires

Devanagari script

हृदयस्य सुतो ह्यग्नेर् जठरे ऽसौ नृणां पचन् मन्युमाञ्जठरश्चाग्निर् विद्धाग्निः सततं स्मृतः //

Transliteration

hṛdayasya suto hyagner jaṭhare 'sau nṛṇāṃ pacan manyumāñjaṭharaścāgnir viddhāgniḥ satataṃ smṛtaḥ //

Translation

Indeed, this fire—born from the heart’s fire—abides in the belly; it cooks (digests) the food of human beings. Therefore this abdominal fire, endowed with forceful energy, is remembered as the ever-awake, ever-kindled fire.

Word by Word

• hṛdayasya: of the heart

• sutaḥ: son/born from

• hi: indeed

• agneḥ: of fire (Agni)

• jaṭhare: in the belly/abdomen

• asau: that (fire)

• nṛṇām: of men/human beings

• pacan: cooking/digesting

• manyumān: endowed with vigor/impulse/fiery force

• jaṭharaḥ (jaṭharaś): abdominal/belly (as an epithet)

• ca: and

• agniḥ: fire

• viddhāgniḥ: kindled/awakened fire (ever-lit)

• satatam: always/continually

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/declared.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni
• Hridaya (heart)
• Jathara (belly)
• Jatharagni

Tags

• Ayurveda
• Jatharagni
• Digestive fire
• Sharira
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic pralaya; it describes the microcosmic “fire” within the human body—how the heart-derived fire becomes the digestive fire in the belly.

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

It implies that sustaining jatharagni through disciplined diet and conduct is part of self-governance; a householder (and a king) should preserve bodily strength and clarity by maintaining proper digestion and moderation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-architecture rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is symbolic—Agni is ‘ever-kindled’ within, supporting purity and readiness for rites through bodily balance.