Shloka 9

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

Devanagari script

तत्प्राप्तं वह्निवदने रेतो देवानतर्पयत् विदार्य जठराण्येषाम् अजीर्णं निर्गतं मुने //

Transliteration

tatprāptaṃ vahnivadane reto devānatarpayat vidārya jaṭharāṇyeṣām ajīrṇaṃ nirgataṃ mune //

Translation

O sage, when that seed reached the mouth of Fire, it did not satisfy the gods; tearing open their bellies, it came out undigested.

Word by Word

• tat-prāptam: having reached that (place/recipient)

• vahni-vadane: in/at the mouth of Agni (Fire)

• retaḥ: semen, generative fluid

• devān: the gods

• atarpayat: did not satisfy/please (failed to gratify)

• vidārya: having split/ruptured

• jaṭharāṇi: bellies, stomachs

• eṣām: of these (gods)

• ajīrṇam: undigested

• nirgataṃ: came out/emerged

• mune: O sage

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the episode to the sages (frame narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni (Vahni)
• Devas

Tags

• Cosmic mythology
• Devas
• Agni
• Aetiology
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

It is not a Pralaya (dissolution) description; it is a mythic causal episode illustrating how a powerful generative essence cannot be ‘assimilated’ even by the gods, pointing to cosmic forces that exceed ordinary containment.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces the Purāṇic ethic of restraint and proper containment of power/impulse: what is not ‘digested’ (assimilated through dharma and discipline) becomes disruptive—an idea later applied to self-control, ritual propriety, and governance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated; ritually, the verse foregrounds Agni and ‘tarpana’ (satisfaction/propitiation), highlighting that offerings and energies must be correctly handled and transformed, a principle underlying many Agni-centered rites.