Shloka 25

Matsya Purana — Hiranyakashipu’s Boons

Devanagari script

आश्रमेषु महाभागान् स मुनीञ्छंसितव्रतान् सत्यधर्मपरान्दान्तान् धर्षयामास दानवः //

Transliteration

āśrameṣu mahābhāgān sa munīñchaṃsitavratān satyadharmaparāndāntān dharṣayāmāsa dānavaḥ //

Translation

In the hermitages, that Dānava (demonic being) began to violate and harass the greatly fortunate sages—men of praised vows, devoted to truth and dharma, and self-controlled.

Word by Word

• आश्रमेषु: in the hermitages

• महाभागान्: greatly fortunate/noble

• स: he

• मुनीन्: sages

• शंसित-व्रतान्: those whose vows are acclaimed/praised

• सत्य-धर्म-परान्: devoted to truth and righteousness

• दान्तान्: self-restrained, disciplined

• धर्षयामास: harassed, violated, outraged

• दानवः: a Dānava, demon of the asura class

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the episode (within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Dānava
• Munis (sages)
• Āśrama (hermitage)

Tags

• Dharma
• Asceticism
• Asura conflict
• Rishi protection
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it highlights moral disorder (adharma) where a Dānava violates peaceful hermitages, a common Purāṇic sign of societal imbalance rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

It implies a core rajadharma principle: rulers and householders should uphold satya-dharma by protecting ascetics, hermitages, and disciplined vow-keepers from violence and exploitation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-rule detail appears; the ritual takeaway is that āśramas (centers of tapas and yajña) must be safeguarded so Vedic rites and disciplined observances can continue without disruption.