Shloka 44

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

Devanagari script

राज्यभ्रष्टस्तदा शक्रो रजिपुत्रैर्निपीडितः प्राह वाचस्पतिं दीनः पीडितो ऽस्मि रजेः सुतैः //

Transliteration

rājyabhraṣṭastadā śakro rajiputrairnipīḍitaḥ prāha vācaspatiṃ dīnaḥ pīḍito 'smi rajeḥ sutaiḥ //

Translation

Then Śakra (Indra), fallen from his kingship and harried by the sons of Raji, sorrowfully spoke to Vācaspati (Bṛhaspati): “I am being oppressed by the sons of Raji.”

Word by Word

• rājya-bhraṣṭaḥ: deprived of sovereignty/kingdom

• tadā: then

• śakraḥ: Śakra, Indra

• raji-putraiḥ: by the sons of Raji

• nipīḍitaḥ: pressed hard, tormented

• prāha: said, spoke

• vācaspatiṃ: to Vācaspati (Bṛhaspati), lord of speech

• dīnaḥ: dejected, miserable

• pīḍitaḥ: afflicted, oppressed

• asmi: I am

• rajeḥ: of Raji

• sutaiḥ: by the sons.

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing Indra’s appeal)

Entities Mentioned

• Śakra (Indra)
• Vācaspati (Bṛhaspati)
• Raji
• Raji-putras (sons of Raji)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Devas
• Indra
• Royal legitimacy
• Puranic genealogy

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on a political-cosmic conflict where Indra loses sovereignty and seeks counsel, reflecting Purāṇic themes of fluctuating power rather than dissolution.

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

It highlights a kingship theme central to Purāṇic ethics: when authority is lost or challenged, a ruler should seek wise counsel (here, Bṛhaspati) rather than act from pride—an implicit guideline for governance and prudent decision-making.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is mentioned in this verse; its significance is narrative and political, introducing a counsel-seeking moment in the dynasty/conflict storyline.