Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Genealogy of Kaśyapa: Ādityas

Devanagari script

तपसा तोषितो यस्य पुरे वसति शूलभृत् महाकालत्वम् अगमत् साम्यं यश्च पिनाकिनः //

Transliteration

tapasā toṣito yasya pure vasati śūlabhṛt mahākālatvam agamat sāmyaṃ yaśca pinākinaḥ //

Translation

In that city, the Trident-bearer (Śiva), pleased by austerity, dwells; and he attained the state of Mahākāla, becoming equal in glory to the wielder of the Pināka bow.

Word by Word

• तपसा (tapasā): by austerity, through penance

• तोषितः (toṣitaḥ): pleased, satisfied

• यस्य (yasya): of whom/wherein

• पुरे (pure): in the city

• वसति (vasati): dwells, resides

• शूलभृत् (śūlabhṛt): the trident-bearer (Śiva)

• महाकालत्वम् (mahākālatvam): the state/name of Mahākāla

• अगमत् (agamat): attained, reached

• साम्यम् (sāmyam): equality, sameness (in status/glory)

• यः (yaḥ): who

• च (ca): and

• पिनाकिनः (pinākinaḥ): of the Pināka-bearer (Śiva).

Speaker

• Suta (traditional Purana narrator) describing the sanctity of the place and Śiva’s form as Mahākāla

Entities Mentioned

• Shiva
• Mahakala
• Shulabhrit (Trident-bearer)
• Pinakin (Bearer of Pinaka)

Tags

• Shaiva
• Tirtha-Mahatmya
• Tapas
• Mahakala
• Sacred Geography

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it emphasizes tapas (austerity) as a spiritual force that draws divine presence—here, Śiva dwelling as Mahākāla—rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

It highlights tapas as a legitimate dharmic discipline: rulers and householders are taught that self-restraint, vows, and disciplined worship can sanctify a place and secure divine favor, supporting righteous governance and orderly life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it underscores a kṣetra’s sanctity: a city becomes holy because the deity ‘dwells’ there due to tapas. This supports temple-centered kṣetra practice—establishing worship of Mahākāla Śiva and associated rites at the sacred site.