Shloka 35

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

Devanagari script

तच्छ्रुत्वा निर्गतः शक्रः स्थित्वा प्राञ्जलिरग्रतः उवाच वाक्यं संत्रस्तो मातुर्वै वदनेरितम् //

Transliteration

tacchrutvā nirgataḥ śakraḥ sthitvā prāñjaliragrataḥ uvāca vākyaṃ saṃtrasto māturvai vadaneritam //

Translation

Hearing that, Śakra (Indra) came out; standing in front with folded hands (añjali), and alarmed, he spoke the words prompted by his mother’s utterance.

Word by Word

• tat-śrutvā: having heard that

• nirgataḥ: came out/went forth

• śakraḥ: Śakra (Indra)

• sthitvā: having stood

• prāñjaliḥ: with joined palms (in reverence)

• agrataḥ: in front

• uvāca: said/spoke

• vākyam: words/speech

• saṃtrastaḥ: frightened, shaken, alarmed

• mātuḥ: of (his) mother

• vai: indeed/assuredly

• vadana-īritam: spoken/impelled from the mouth (i.e., uttered by her).

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing Indra/Śakra’s action; likely Sūta in the frame narrative)

Entities Mentioned

• Śakra (Indra)
• Mother of Indra

Tags

• Indra
• Deva narrative
• Obedience
• Reverence (añjali)
• Purāṇic dialogue

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya directly; it focuses on Indra’s respectful, anxious response to a maternal command, highlighting conduct rather than cosmology.

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

Indra’s posture—standing before an elder with folded hands—models humility, disciplined speech, and obedience to rightful authority, virtues expected of rulers and householders in Purāṇic ethics.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual cue is behavioral: prāñjali (añjali-mudrā) signifies reverence and proper etiquette in sacred or formal audiences; no Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated in this verse.