Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

पशूनां पक्षिणां चैव स्थावराणां च सर्वशः गावो ऽजाश्वाश्च विज्ञेया हस्तिनः पक्षिणो मृगाः //

Transliteration

paśūnāṃ pakṣiṇāṃ caiva sthāvarāṇāṃ ca sarvaśaḥ gāvo 'jāśvāśca vijñeyā hastinaḥ pakṣiṇo mṛgāḥ //

Translation

Among animals, birds, and even all stationary beings, distinct classes are to be recognized: cows, goats, and horses; likewise elephants, birds, and wild beasts.

Word by Word

• paśūnām: of animals/cattle

• pakṣiṇām: of birds

• ca eva: and indeed

• sthāvarāṇām: of stationary beings (plants/immovables)

• ca: and

• sarvaśaḥ: in every way/altogether

• gāvaḥ: cows

• ajāḥ: goats

• aśvāḥ: horses

• ca: and

• vijñeyāḥ: should be known/recognized

• hastinaḥ: elephants

• pakṣiṇaḥ: birds

• mṛgāḥ: wild animals/deer (game).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• gāvaḥ (cows)
• ajāḥ (goats)
• aśvāḥ (horses)
• hastinaḥ (elephants)
• pakṣiṇaḥ (birds)
• mṛgāḥ (wild animals)

Tags

• Dharma
• Classification
• Animals
• Householder
• Ritual Economy

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it functions as a practical dharma-style classification of beings, naming key domestic and wild categories relevant to human society.

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

By listing cows, goats, horses, and elephants alongside birds and wild animals, it reflects the social-ritual economy a king and householder must manage—protection of cattle, regulation of animal use, and orderly recognition of categories for law, gifting, and livelihood.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu rule is stated here; the ritual significance is indirect—these categories (especially cows and other livestock) underpin offerings, gifts (dāna), and household maintenance in Purāṇic practice.