Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — Narasimha’s Victory over Hiraṇyakaśipu and the Catalogue of Apocalyptic Omens

Devanagari script

नभसः प्रच्युता धारास् तिग्मवेगाः समन्ततः आवृत्य सर्वतो व्योम दिशश्चोपदिशस्तथा //

Transliteration

nabhasaḥ pracyutā dhārās tigmavegāḥ samantataḥ āvṛtya sarvato vyoma diśaścopadiśastathā //

Translation

From the sky, torrents fell—driven with piercing force on every side—so that the whole firmament was veiled everywhere, along with all the directions and the intermediate quarters as well.

Word by Word

nabhasaḥfrom the sky

pracyutāḥfallen down, poured forth

dhārāḥstreams, torrents

tigma-vegāḥof sharp/violent speed, impetuous

samantataḥon all sides

āvṛtyahaving covered, enveloping

sarvataḥeverywhere

vyomathe sky, firmament

diśaḥthe directions (quarters)

caand

upadiśaḥintermediate directions (sub-quarters)

tathālikewise, also

Speaker

Lord Matsya (Vishnu) describing the overwhelming onset of the deluge to Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

Directions (Diśaḥ)Intermediate directions (Upadiśaḥ)Sky (Vyoma/Nabhas)

FAQs

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

It depicts the onset of dissolution through a catastrophic deluge: violent torrents descend and metaphorically erase the visible order of space by covering the sky and even the sense of direction.

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

Indirectly, it frames why Manu’s preparedness and obedience to divine counsel matter: when cosmic disorder arises, dharmic leadership is shown through foresight, protection of dependents, and adherence to sacred guidance rather than panic.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual rule is stated; however, the verse functions as a pralaya-portent motif—useful in ritual narration and Purana recitation contexts to mark the transition into the deluge episode.