Shloka 24

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

Devanagari script

बाह्यतो ववृषुर्वर्षं नोपरिष्टाच्च ववृषुः मृगेन्द्रप्रतिरूपस्य स्थितस्य युधि मायया //

Transliteration

bāhyato vavṛṣurvarṣaṃ nopariṣṭācca vavṛṣuḥ mṛgendrapratirūpasya sthitasya yudhi māyayā //

Translation

By his māyā, while he stood in battle in the form of a lion, they poured down a rain only from the outer side—yet they did not shower it from above.

Word by Word

• bāhyataḥ: from the outside/from the outer side

• vavṛṣuḥ: they rained/poured down

• varṣam: rain/a downpour

• na: not

• upariṣṭāt: from above/overhead

• ca: and

• vavṛṣuḥ: they rained

• mṛgendra: lion (lord of beasts)

• pratirūpasya: having the appearance/form

• sthitasya: of one who stood/was stationed

• yudhi: in battle

• māyayā: by illusion/magical power

Speaker

• Sūta (narratorial voice summarizing the episode)

Entities Mentioned

• Māyā (illusion)
• Mṛgendra (lion-form)

Tags

• Maya
• Battle
• Illusion
• Pralaya
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

It highlights māyā—supernatural manipulation of natural forces (like rain)—a motif used in Puranic narration to show how cosmic powers can override ordinary causality, often echoed in Pralaya-themed storytelling.

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

Indirectly, it underscores discernment (viveka): leaders and householders are advised in Purāṇic ethics to judge appearances carefully, since deception and illusion can operate in conflict and public life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; the key takeaway is symbolic—control of directions (outside vs. above) and environmental forces, themes sometimes mirrored in later Vāstu discussions of orientation and protective measures.