Shloka 38

Matsya Purana — Genealogy from Budha to Purūravas and Yayāti; Raji’s war episode; the Paurava...

Devanagari script

प्रह्लादशक्रयोर्भीमं न कश्चिद्विजयी तयोः ततो देवासुरैः पृष्टः प्राह देवश्चतुर्मुखः //

Transliteration

prahlādaśakrayorbhīmaṃ na kaścidvijayī tayoḥ tato devāsuraiḥ pṛṣṭaḥ prāha devaścaturmukhaḥ //

Translation

In that dreadful confrontation between Prahlāda and Śakra (Indra), neither could gain victory over the other. Therefore, when the Devas and Asuras questioned him, the four-faced god (Brahmā) spoke in reply.

Word by Word

• प्रह्लाद (Prahlāda): Prahlada

• शक्रयोः (śakrayor): of Śakra/Indra

• भीमम् (bhīmam): dreadful, formidable

• न (na): not

• कश्चित् (kaścit): anyone

• विजयी (vijayī): victorious

• तयोः (tayoḥ): of the two

• ततः (tataḥ): therefore/then

• देवासुरैः (devāsuraiḥ): by Devas and Asuras

• पृष्टः (pṛṣṭaḥ): asked, questioned

• प्राह (prāha): said, spoke

• देवः (devaḥ): the god

• चतुर्मुखः (caturmukhaḥ): the four-faced one (Brahmā)

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator) introducing Brahmā’s forthcoming reply

Entities Mentioned

• Prahlāda
• Śakra (Indra)
• Devas
• Asuras
• Brahmā (Caturmukha)

Tags

• Deva-Asura war
• Indra
• Prahlada
• Brahma counsel
• Cosmic order

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights a cosmic stalemate in a Deva–Asura conflict, prompting Brahmā’s counsel—an example of how order is restored through divine governance rather than dissolution.

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

By showing that even powerful rivals can reach a deadlock, the verse implies a dharmic principle relevant to rulers: when force fails to resolve conflict, one should seek wise arbitration and authoritative guidance to restore stability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is narrative—setting up Brahmā’s instruction after the Devas and Asuras consult him.