Shloka 36

Matsya Purana — Lineage of Yayāti through Yadu and the Deeds of Kārtavīrya Arjuna

Devanagari script

तदा निश्चलमूर्धानो भवन्ति च महोरगाः सायाह्ने कदलीखण्डा निर्वातस्तिमिता इव //

Transliteration

tadā niścalamūrdhāno bhavanti ca mahoragāḥ sāyāhne kadalīkhaṇḍā nirvātastimitā iva //

Translation

At that time even the great serpents become motionless, their heads unmoving; and in the late afternoon the clumps of banana plants stand as if stilled in windless air.

Word by Word

• tadā: then/at that time

• niścalamūrdhānaḥ: with unmoving heads, motionless-headed

• bhavanti: become/are

• ca: and

• mahā-uragāḥ: great serpents (large snakes)

• sāyāhne: at evening time/late afternoon

• kadalī-khaṇḍāḥ: clumps or groves of banana plants

• nirvāta: windless, without breeze

• stimitāḥ: still, motionless

• iva: as if/like

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, describing natural omens)

Entities Mentioned

• Mahoraga (great serpents)
• Kadalī (banana plant)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Nimitta
• Omens
• Nature-signs
• MatsyaPurana

FAQs

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

It presents a nimitta (omen): an unnatural, windless stillness where even animals and plants appear frozen—used in Purāṇic narration as a sign that a major disturbance or dissolution-like event is approaching.

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

By highlighting recognizable omens, it supports the ruler’s and householder’s duty of vigilance—reading environmental signs to prepare, protect dependents, and take timely, dharmic precautions.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; indirectly, it reflects the broader Purāṇic idea that abnormal stillness is an inauspicious nimitta, prompting postponement of major undertakings or enhanced protective rites.