Shloka 30

Matsya Purana — Inquiry into Yayāti’s Story and the Kacha–Devayānī Episode

Devanagari script

पञ्च वर्षशतान्येवं कचस्य चरतो भृशम् तत्तत्तीव्रं व्रतं बुद्ध्वा दानवास्तं ततः कचम् //

Transliteration

pañca varṣaśatānyevaṃ kacasya carato bhṛśam tattattīvraṃ vrataṃ buddhvā dānavāstaṃ tataḥ kacam //

Translation

Thus, for five hundred years Kaca continued his arduous course of discipline. Recognizing the intensity of that severe vow, the Dānavas then turned their attention toward Kaca.

Word by Word

• pañca: five

• varṣa-śatāni: hundreds of years

• evam: thus

• kacasya: of Kaca

• carataḥ: while practicing/undertaking (a disciplined course)

• bhṛśam: intensely, greatly

• tat-tat: that very (in each respect)

• tīvram: intense, severe

• vratam: vow, religious observance

• buddhvā: having understood/realized

• dānavāḥ: the Danavas (demons, descendants of Danu)

• tam: him

• tataḥ: then/thereupon

• kacam: Kaca (object of their action/attention).

Speaker

• Primary narrator (Purāṇic narrator within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Kaca
• Dānavas (Danavas)

Tags

• Vratācāra
• Tapas
• Daitya-Dānava
• Puranic narrative
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it highlights long-duration tapas/vrata as a moral-spiritual force that even hostile beings (the Dānavas) take seriously.

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

It underscores dharma through steadfast discipline: a king or householder is taught perseverance in vows (vrata), self-control, and consistency over time—qualities that stabilize personal conduct and governance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is the emphasis on the power of a ‘tīvra-vrata’ (severe observance) maintained continuously for a long period.