Shloka 31

Matsya Purana — Mahāgaurī’s Entry

Devanagari script

गते वर्षसहस्रे तु देवास्त्वरितमानसाः ज्वलनं चोदयामासुर् ज्ञातुं शंकरचेष्टितम् //

Transliteration

gate varṣasahasre tu devāstvaritamānasāḥ jvalanaṃ codayāmāsur jñātuṃ śaṃkaraceṣṭitam //

Translation

When a thousand years had passed, the gods—anxious and quickened in mind—urged Jvalana (Agni) to find out the intention and action of Śaṅkara (Śiva).

Word by Word

• gate: having passed

• varṣa-sahasre: a thousand years

• tu: then/indeed

• devāḥ: the gods

• tvarita-mānasāḥ: with hurried/anxious minds

• jvalanam: Jvalana, the Fire-god (Agni)

• ca: and

• codayāmāsuḥ: they impelled/urged

• jñātum: to know/ascertain

• śaṅkara-ceṣṭitam: Śaṅkara’s deed/behavior/intention

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narration, traditionally Sūta speaking to the sages)

Entities Mentioned

• Devas
• Jvalana (Agni)
• Shankara (Shiva)

Tags

• Shiva
• Devas
• Agni
• Divine inquiry
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it depicts a long divine timespan (a thousand years) and the gods’ inquiry into Śiva’s conduct, reflecting cosmic governance rather than dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it models dharmic governance: when faced with uncertainty, responsible leaders seek verification through a competent messenger rather than acting rashly—mirroring a king’s duty to investigate before judgment.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated here; the ritual-theological point is the prominence of Agni as an agent of divine communication and investigation in Purāṇic narratives.