Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Hiranyakashipu’s Boons

Devanagari script

ततः शमदमाभ्यां च ब्रह्मचर्येण चैव हि ब्रह्मा प्रीतो ऽभवत्तस्य तपसा नियमेन च //

Transliteration

tataḥ śamadamābhyāṃ ca brahmacaryeṇa caiva hi brahmā prīto 'bhavattasya tapasā niyamena ca //

Translation

Thereafter, through tranquillity and self-restraint, and indeed through the observance of brahmacarya, Brahmā became pleased with him—by his austerity and by his disciplined observances.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: thereafter

• śama: mental calm, tranquillity

• damābhyām: by (the practice of) restraint/self-control

• ca: and

• brahmacaryeṇa: by brahmacarya (celibate/student-like discipline, continence)

• caiva hi: and indeed/for truly

• brahmā: Lord Brahmā

• prītaḥ: pleased, satisfied

• abhavat: became

• tasya: of him/for him

• tapasā: by austerity, ascetic heat

• niyamena: by observance, rule-based discipline (niyama)

• ca: and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s didactic dialogue framework)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmā

Tags

• Dharma
• Tapas
• Brahmacarya
• Yoga
• Niyama

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it emphasizes the ethical-ascetic causes (śama, dama, brahmacarya, tapas, niyama) by which a seeker gains Brahmā’s satisfaction—often a prerequisite in Purāṇas for receiving boons, knowledge, or cosmic teachings.

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

It frames rulership and household life around inner governance: śama (calm) and dama (restraint) support just decision-making, while niyama (disciplined observances) and controlled conduct (brahmacarya as continence/self-regulation) are presented as virtues that earn divine approval.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vastu or temple rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is that tapas and niyama—regular vows, purity, and disciplined practice—are portrayed as the inner ‘qualification’ that makes rites and spiritual undertakings fruitful.