Shloka 43

Matsya Purana — Hiranyakashipu’s Boons

Devanagari script

सिताभ्रघनसंकाशा प्लवन्तीव व्यदृश्यत रश्मिवती भास्वरा च दिव्यगन्धमनोरमा //

Transliteration

sitābhraghanasaṃkāśā plavantīva vyadṛśyata raśmivatī bhāsvarā ca divyagandhamanoramā //

Translation

She appeared like a dense mass of white clouds, as though floating; radiant with streaming rays, brilliantly luminous, and delightful with a divine fragrance.

Word by Word

• sitā: white, bright

• abhra: cloud

• ghana: dense, compact

• saṃkāśā: having the appearance of, resembling

• plavantī iva: as if floating

• vyadṛśyata: was seen, appeared

• raśmivatī: endowed with rays

• bhāsvarā: shining, splendid

• ca: and

• divya: divine, celestial

• gandha: fragrance, perfume

• manoramā: charming, delightful to the mind

Speaker

• Sūta (narrative description within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Divine Manifestation
• Portents
• Theophany
• Matsya Purana Flood Episode

FAQs

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

It depicts a supernatural, luminous appearance—an omen-like theophany often used in the Pralaya narrative to signal divine intervention and protection amid cosmic dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces the Purāṇic ethic that when divine signs appear, a ruler (like Manu in the flood episode) should respond with reverence, discernment, and adherence to dharma rather than fear or impulsiveness.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While no explicit Vāstu rule is stated, the markers of divinity—radiance (tejas) and divine fragrance—are classic indicators used in ritual contexts to recognize auspicious presence, guiding proper reception (satkāra) and worship.