Shloka 28

Matsya Purana — Inquiry into Taraka’s Slaying and the Prelude to Guha

Devanagari script

वर्तन्त्या नियमे तस्याः सहस्राक्षः समाहितः उपासामाचरत्तस्याः सा चैनमन्वमन्यत //

Transliteration

vartantyā niyame tasyāḥ sahasrākṣaḥ samāhitaḥ upāsāmācarattasyāḥ sā cainamanvamanyata //

Translation

While she was steadfastly observing that sacred discipline, Sahasrākṣa (Indra), composed and intent, began to attend upon her with reverent service; and she, in turn, accepted him with favor.

Word by Word

• वर्तन्त्या (vartantyā): while she was proceeding/remaining engaged

• नियमे (niyame): in a religious observance, vow, discipline

• तस्याः (tasyāḥ): of her

• सहस्राक्षः (sahasrākṣaḥ): the thousand-eyed one (Indra)

• समाहितः (samāhitaḥ): concentrated, composed, self-controlled

• उपासाम् (upāsām): attendance, worshipful service, devoted waiting upon

• आचरत् (ācarat): performed, practiced

• तस्याः (tasyāḥ): toward her/of her

• सा (sā): she

• च (ca): and

• एनम् (enam): him

• अन्वमन्यत (anvamanyata): approved of, accepted, regarded favorably.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) relaying the episode within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue framework

Entities Mentioned

• Sahasrākṣa (Indra)

Tags

• Niyama
• Tapas
• Indra
• Upāsanā
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it highlights the potency of niyama (vowed discipline) and how even a major deity like Indra responds through composed, reverent attendance.

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

It models dharmic conduct: self-restraint (samāhita) and respectful service (upāsā) toward a virtuous person. For kings and householders, it implies that influence should be exercised through humility and disciplined behavior rather than force.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architectural rules are not mentioned; ritually, the key term is upāsā—devotional attendance/service—paired with niyama, indicating that disciplined observance and proper reverence are central to effective religious practice.