Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — Intermediate Dissolution

Devanagari script

भुजंगो रज्जुरूपेण मनोः पार्श्वमुपागमत् भूतान्सर्वान्समाकृष्य योगेनारोप्य धर्मवित् //

Transliteration

bhujaṃgo rajjurūpeṇa manoḥ pārśvamupāgamat bhūtānsarvānsamākṛṣya yogenāropya dharmavit //

Translation

A serpent came to Manu’s side in the form of a rope; and the knower of Dharma, drawing all beings together, made them embark by the power of yoga.

Word by Word

• भुजंगः: serpent

• रज्जु-रूपेण: in the form of a rope

• मनोः: of Manu

• पार्श्वम्: side, vicinity

• उपागमत्: came near, approached

• भूतान्: beings, creatures

• सर्वान्: all

• समाकृष्य: having gathered/drawn together

• योगेन: by yoga (mystic power/discipline)

• आरोप्य: having caused to mount/embark, having placed aboard

• धर्मवित्: knower of dharma (righteous, wise one)

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) describing the Matsya–Manu episode (traditional narrative voice in Purāṇic discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Bhujanga (serpent as rope)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Lord Matsya and King Manu story
• Yoga
• Dharma
• Rescue narrative

FAQs

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

It depicts the practical mechanics of survival during Pralaya: beings are gathered and made to embark, with divine/mystic assistance symbolized by the serpent appearing as a rope.

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

Manu is portrayed as a dharma-knower who protects and organizes the community in crisis—an ideal of rulership and household responsibility: safeguarding life, acting decisively, and upholding order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated; the key takeaway is ritual-symbolic logistics—using sacred means (yoga/divine aid) to preserve beings, a motif often echoed in Purāṇic rites of protection.