Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — Manifestation of Kauśikī

Devanagari script

देव्या रूपधरो दैत्यो देवं वञ्चयितुं त्विह प्रविष्टो न च दृष्टो ऽसौ स वै देवेन घातितः //

Transliteration

devyā rūpadharo daityo devaṃ vañcayituṃ tviha praviṣṭo na ca dṛṣṭo 'sau sa vai devena ghātitaḥ //

Translation

A Daitya, assuming the very form of the Goddess, entered here intending to deceive the god; but he was recognized, and indeed that one was slain by the deity.

Word by Word

• देव्या (devyā): of the Goddess / in the form of the Goddess

• रूपधरः (rūpadharaḥ): assuming a form, taking on an appearance

• दैत्यः (daityaḥ): a Daitya-demon

• देवं (devaṃ): the god, the deity

• वञ्चयितुम् (vañcayitum): to deceive, to delude

• तु (tu): but

• इह (iha): here, in this place/occasion

• प्रविष्टः (praviṣṭaḥ): entered

• न (na): not

• च (ca): and

• दृष्टः (dṛṣṭaḥ): seen/recognized

• असौ (asau): that one (he)

• सः (saḥ): he

• वै (vai): indeed

• देवेन (devena): by the god

• घातितः (ghātitaḥ): slain, killed.

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame; likely Sūta/primary narrator reporting the episode)

Entities Mentioned

• Devī (Goddess)
• Daitya (demon)
• Deva (god/deity)

Tags

• Deva-Asura
• Deception
• Devī-Rūpa
• Divine Protection
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it highlights a moral-epic motif in which deceptive disguise (māyā/vañcanā) fails before divine power and discernment.

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

It implies a dharmic guideline: rulers and householders should be vigilant against छल (deception) and judge by conduct and truth rather than appearances—upholding protection of the community and punishment of harmful imposture.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the closest takeaway is ritual-ethical—impurity of intent (deceit) is condemned even when clothed in sacred appearance, a principle often applied in temple/service contexts.