Shloka 31

Matsya Purana — Hiranyakashipu’s Boons

Devanagari script

त्वं हि नः परमो धाता त्वं हि नः परमो गुरुः त्वं हि नः परमो देवो ब्रह्मादीनां सुरोत्तम //

Transliteration

tvaṃ hi naḥ paramo dhātā tvaṃ hi naḥ paramo guruḥ tvaṃ hi naḥ paramo devo brahmādīnāṃ surottama //

Translation

Indeed, you are our supreme Sustainer; you are our highest Teacher. You are our supreme God—O best among the gods, even above Brahmā and the others.

Word by Word

• त्वं (tvaṃ): you

• हि (hi): indeed/for

• नः (naḥ): our/to us

• परमो (paramo): supreme/highest

• धाता (dhātā): sustainer/ordainer/creator-supporter

• गुरुः (guruḥ): teacher/preceptor

• देवो (devo): god/divine lord

• ब्रह्मादीनाम् (brahmādīnām): of Brahmā and the others

• सुरोत्तम (surottama): best of the gods, foremost among devas

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (and/or the assembled sages) addressing Lord Matsya (Vishnu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu)
• Brahmā

Tags

• Pralaya
• Stuti
• Bhakti
• Vishnu
• Matsya-Avatara

FAQs

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

It frames the addressed deity (Matsya/Vishnu) as the supreme Dhātā— the cosmic sustainer and ordainer—implying that even during Pralaya, ultimate protection and governance rest with him.

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

By naming the Lord as the “supreme Guru,” it reinforces that righteous rule and household conduct should be guided by divine instruction (dharma), with the king/householder acting as a protector and supporter (dhātā-like) of dependents.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-building rule appears here; ritually, it functions as a stuti used to invoke divine authority and auspiciousness before undertaking vows, protection-rites, or major undertakings.