Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Ila–Sudyumna Episode and the Expansion of the Ikṣvāku

Devanagari script

अगमद् वडबारूपम् उत्तमं केन हेतुना ततस् तु मैत्रावरुणिं पप्रच्छुस्ते पुरोधसम् //

Transliteration

agamad vaḍabārūpam uttamaṃ kena hetunā tatas tu maitrāvaruṇiṃ papracchuste purodhasam //

Translation

“For what reason did (he/it) assume the excellent form of the Vaḍabā?” Then they questioned Maitrāvaruṇi, their family priest, about it.

Word by Word

• अगमद् (agamad): went/attained/assumed

• वडबारूपम् (vaḍabā-rūpam): the form of Vaḍabā (the mare-form

• उत्तमम् (uttamam): excellent, supreme

• केन (kena): by what/through what

• हेतुना (hetunā): cause, reason

• ततस् (tatas): then/thereupon

• तु (tu): indeed/and

• मैत्रावरुणिम् (maitrāvaruṇim): Maitrāvaruṇi (a name/epithet of a sage/priest, traditionally connected with Mitra and Varuṇa lineage)

• पप्रच्छुः (papracchuḥ): they asked/inquired

• ते (te): they

• पुरोधसम् (purodhasam): the purohita, family priest/chaplain

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic frame narration) describing the inquirers addressing Maitrāvaruṇi, the priest

Entities Mentioned

• Vaḍabā (mare-form; Purāṇic cosmological motif)
• Maitrāvaruṇi (purohita/priest)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmology
• Dialogue
• Purohita
• Mythic Motifs

FAQs

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

It signals a cosmological inquiry: the “Vaḍabā-form” is treated as a significant transformation linked to cosmic forces often discussed around dissolution-era themes, prompting an authoritative explanation from a priestly sage.

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

It models dhārmic conduct: when confronted with complex metaphysical questions, one should consult qualified teachers (purohita/ṛṣi) rather than speculate—an ethic relevant to rulers and householders alike.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Direct Vāstu or temple-building rules are not stated; the ritual takeaway is the reliance on a purohita as the proper interpreter of sacred cosmology and its meanings within rites and teachings.