Shloka 26

Matsya Purana — Hiranyakashipu’s Boons

Devanagari script

देवांस्त्रिभुवनस्थांश्च पराजित्य महासुरः त्रैलोक्यं वशमानीय स्वर्गे वसति दानवः //

Transliteration

devāṃstribhuvanasthāṃśca parājitya mahāsuraḥ trailokyaṃ vaśamānīya svarge vasati dānavaḥ //

Translation

Having defeated the gods who dwelt throughout the three worlds, the mighty Asura brought the entire triad of worlds under his control; the Dānava then took up residence in heaven itself.

Word by Word

• devān: the gods

• tribhuvana-sthān: those situated in the three worlds

• ca: and

• parājitya: having defeated/overcome

• mahā-asuraḥ: the great Asura (mighty demon)

• trailokyam: the three worlds (heaven, mid-region, earth)

• vaśam ānīya: having brought under subjugation/control

• svarge: in heaven (Svarga)

• vasati: dwells/resides

• dānavaḥ: the Dānava (demonic being, descendant of Danu)

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing events (narrative voice within Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Devas
• Mahāsura
• Dānava
• Trailokya
• Svarga

Tags

• Deva-Asura war
• Trailokya
• Svarga conquest
• Puranic cosmology
• Power and adharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it depicts a political-cosmic upheaval where an Asura subjugates the three worlds and occupies Svarga, illustrating instability of worldly sovereignty rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

By showing heaven itself falling under an unrighteous conqueror, the verse underscores a core Purāṇic ethic: power without dharma leads to disorder. For kings, it implies rule must be dharma-governed; for householders, it cautions against pride and domination as substitutes for righteous conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its focus is cosmological kingship—control of Trailokya and occupation of Svarga—often used in Purāṇas as narrative context for later restorations through sacrifice, devotion, or divine intervention.