Shloka 46

Matsya Purana — Genealogy and Classification of Sacred Fires

Devanagari script

मन्वन्तरेषु सर्वेषु नानारूपप्रयोजनैः वर्तन्ते वर्तमानैश्च यामैर्देवैः सहाग्नयः //

Transliteration

manvantareṣu sarveṣu nānārūpaprayojanaiḥ vartante vartamānaiśca yāmairdevaiḥ sahāgnayaḥ //

Translation

In every Manvantara, the cosmic fires continue to function for purposes of many kinds and forms, along with the presiding deities and the Yāmas (time-divisions) as they proceed in their ongoing course.

Word by Word

• मन्वन्तरेषु (manvantareṣu): in the Manvantaras

• सर्वेषु (sarveṣu): in all

• नानारूप (nānārūpa): of various forms

• प्रयोजनैः (prayojanaiḥ): for purposes/ends, by functions

• वर्तन्ते (vartante): they operate, they continue

• वर्तमानैः (vartamānaiḥ): proceeding, existing in the present course

• च (ca): and

• यामैः (yāmaiḥ): with the yāmas (watches/divisions of time)

• देवैः (devaiḥ): with the gods/presiding deities

• सह (saha): together with

• अग्नयः (agnayaḥ): the fires (Agni-principles / sacred fires).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Manvantara
• Agni (sacred fires / fire-principle)
• Devas
• Yāma (time-division)

Tags

• Manvantara
• Cosmic Order
• Agni
• Time (Yāma)
• Ritual Continuity

FAQs

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

It emphasizes continuity within cosmic cycles: across successive Manvantaras, the fire-principle and its presiding deities keep operating for diverse functions, implying an ordered administration of the world between dissolutions rather than constant chaos.

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

By highlighting that Agni and the devas ‘continue’ with defined time-order (yāmas), it supports the Purāṇic ethic that rulers and householders should maintain regular rites, time-discipline, and protection of sacrificial/household fires as part of sustaining dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it underscores the centrality of Agni (sacred fires) functioning with specific time-divisions (yāmas), reinforcing timed offerings and regulated worship—an organizing principle that also informs temple/ritual scheduling in Matsya Purana practice.