Shloka 84

Matsya Purana — Hiranyakashipu’s Boons

Devanagari script

उपासन्ति महात्मानं सर्वे दिव्यपरिच्छदाः विमानैर्विविधाकारैर् भ्राजमानैरिवाग्निभिः //

Transliteration

upāsanti mahātmānaṃ sarve divyaparicchadāḥ vimānairvividhākārair bhrājamānairivāgnibhiḥ //

Translation

All those endowed with divine ornaments and regalia worship that Great Soul, arriving in celestial aerial cars of many forms, blazing like fires.

Word by Word

• upāsanti: worship/attend upon

• mahātmānam: the Great Soul (exalted being)

• sarve: all

• divya-paricchadāḥ: possessing divine attire/ornaments/retinue

• vimānaiḥ: with vimānas (celestial vehicles/aerial cars)

• vividhākāraiḥ: of various shapes/forms

• bhrājamānaiḥ: shining, blazing

• iva: like/as if

• agnibhiḥ: with fires, like flames

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purāṇa tradition; descriptive passage within the dialogue framework)

Entities Mentioned

• Mahātmā (exalted divine personage)
• Vimāna (celestial vehicle)

Tags

• Iconography
• Divine worship
• Vimanas
• Celestial attendants
• Puranic description

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it portrays a celestial worship scene, emphasizing divine radiance and the heavenly order surrounding an exalted being.

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

Indirectly, it models ideal upāsanā (reverent attendance and worship): just as celestial beings approach with honor and purity, a king or householder should worship with proper decorum, offerings, and disciplined reverence.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights upāsanā and the imagery of radiant divine presence; architecturally, it supports the Purāṇic imagination used in temple iconography—depicting divine retinues and vimāna-like celestial motifs in sacred art and temple ceilings.