Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — Manifestation of Kauśikī

Devanagari script

निमित्तमेतद्विख्यातं वीरकस्य शिलोदये सो ऽभवत्प्रक्रमेणैव विचित्राख्यानसंश्रयः //

Transliteration

nimittametadvikhyātaṃ vīrakasya śilodaye so 'bhavatprakrameṇaiva vicitrākhyānasaṃśrayaḥ //

Translation

This well-known incident became the determining cause for Vīraka in the matter of Śilodaya; and, in due course, it grew into the basis of a wondrous narrative episode.

Word by Word

• nimittam: cause, occasion

• etat: this

• vikhyātam: widely known, celebrated

• vīrakasya: of Vīraka

• śilodaye: in/with regard to Śilodaya (lit. ‘the rising/manifestation of stone’, here a proper topic/name)

• saḥ: he/it

• abhavat: became, came to be

• prakrameṇa eva: gradually, in sequence indeed

• vicitra: wondrous, extraordinary

• ākhyāna: tale, narrative

• saṃśrayaḥ: support, basis, foundation, resort

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) summarizing the narrative linkage within the episode

Entities Mentioned

• Vīraka
• Śilodaya

Tags

• Akhyanas
• Causation (Nimitta)
• Puranic Narrative
• Dynastic/Legendary Episodes
• Matsya Purana Story Arc

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya directly; it explains narrative causality—how a known ‘nimitta’ becomes the trigger for a later episode connected with Śilodaya and Vīraka.

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

Indirectly, it reflects a Purāṇic teaching method: ethical and political lessons are often introduced through ‘nimitta’ (a causative incident) that unfolds into an exemplary story—implying that actions and circumstances generate consequential outcomes over time.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual rule appears in this verse; ‘Śilodaya’ literally evokes ‘stone’s emergence,’ but here it functions as a named topic/episode rather than a stated architectural prescription.