Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — Lineage of the Pitṛs

Devanagari script

किं किमेतदिति प्रोक्ता गन्धर्वगणगुह्यकैः उपगम्याब्रवीद्दक्षः प्रणिपत्याथ दुःखितः //

Transliteration

kiṃ kimetaditi proktā gandharvagaṇaguhyakaiḥ upagamyābravīddakṣaḥ praṇipatyātha duḥkhitaḥ //

Translation

When the Gandharvas, their companies, and the Guhyakas asked, “What is this—what has happened?”, Dakṣa approached them and, bowing down, spoke in sorrow.

Word by Word

• किम् किम् एतत् (kiṃ kim etat): what is this?

• इति (iti): thus

• प्रोक्ता (proktā): having been addressed/asked

• गन्धर्व-गण-गुह्यकैः (gandharva-gaṇa-guhyakaiḥ): by the Gandharvas, their hosts, and the Guhyakas (yakṣa-like secret beings)

• उपगम्य (upagamya): having approached

• अब्रवीत् (abravīt): spoke

• दक्षः (dakṣaḥ): Daksha

• प्रणिपत्य (praṇipatya): having bowed down/prostrated

• अथ (atha): then

• दुःखितः (duḥkhitaḥ): distressed/sorrowful

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing Daksha’s action)

Entities Mentioned

• Daksha
• Gandharvas
• Guhyakas

Tags

• Daksha
• Celestial beings
• Dialogue setup
• Purāṇic narrative
• Supplication

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya or cosmology; it sets a narrative scene where Daksha, distressed, approaches celestial beings and begins an explanation.

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

Indirectly, it models etiquette and dharmic conduct: when questioned by elders or powerful beings, one approaches respectfully and speaks with humility (praṇipatyātha), especially in crisis.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-ritual procedure is stated in this verse; the only ritual-like element is the act of reverential prostration (praṇipāta) before speaking.