Shloka 68

Matsya Purana — Measures of Time: Caturyuga Computation

Devanagari script

ऐश्वर्येणाणिमाद्येन प्रभुशक्तिबलान्विताः श्रुतेन तपसा चैव ऋषींस्ते ऽभिभवन्ति हि //

Transliteration

aiśvaryeṇāṇimādyena prabhuśaktibalānvitāḥ śrutena tapasā caiva ṛṣīṃste 'bhibhavanti hi //

Translation

Endowed with sovereign power—such as aṇimā and the other extraordinary attainments—strengthened by mastery and might, and supported by sacred learning (śruti) and austerity (tapas), they indeed surpass even the sages (ṛṣis).

Word by Word

• aiśvaryeṇa: by sovereign power/overlordship

• aṇimā-ādyena: beginning with aṇimā (minuteness) and other siddhis

• prabhu-śakti-bala-anvitāḥ: endowed with lordly power and strength

• śrutena: by sacred learning/scriptural hearing (śruti)

• tapasā: by austerity/ascetic heat

• ca eva: and indeed

• ṛṣīn: the sages

• te: they

• abhibhavanti: overpower/surpass

• hi: certainly/for indeed

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextually within Matsya Purana’s instructional dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Rishis
• Aṇimā (siddhi)
• Śruti
• Tapas

Tags

• Pralaya
• Yoga Siddhis
• Tapas
• Śruti
• Spiritual Power

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it emphasizes that in cosmic cycles, true superiority is achieved through aiśvarya (spiritual sovereignty) grounded in śruti and tapas, which can eclipse even revered ṛṣis.

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

It implies that authority should be rooted in discipline and learning: a ruler or householder gains legitimate “prabhu-śakti” through self-control (tapas) and adherence to sacred instruction (śruti), not merely by worldly force.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vastu or temple rule appears; ritually, it highlights tapas and śruti as the enabling foundations for effective mantra, vrata, and higher attainments (siddhis) that support sacred practice.