Shloka 36

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

Devanagari script

विवर्णतां च भगवान् गतो दिवि दिवाकरः कृष्णं कबन्धं च तथा लक्ष्यते सुमहद्दिवि //

Transliteration

vivarṇatāṃ ca bhagavān gato divi divākaraḥ kṛṣṇaṃ kabandhaṃ ca tathā lakṣyate sumahaddivi //

Translation

In the sky, the revered Sun too has turned pale; and in the heavens a vast black ‘kabandha’—a headless, trunk-like apparition—is likewise seen.

Word by Word

• विवर्णताम्: to pallor/discoloration

• च: and

• भगवान्: the venerable one (here, the Sun as a divine power)

• गतो: has gone/entered

• दिवि: in the sky/in heaven

• दिवाकरः: the Sun (maker of day)

• कृष्णम्: black/dark

• कबन्धम्: a headless trunk-like form, an ominous apparition (also ‘Kabandha’ as a portent)

• च: and

• तथा: likewise/also

• लक्ष्यते: is seen/appears

• सुमहत्: very great/immense

• दिवि: in the sky.

Speaker

• Sūta (narratorial voice describing ominous celestial signs within the Matsya Purana’s discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Divākara (Sun)
• Kabandha (omen/apparition)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Utpāta
• Astral omens
• Cosmic disorder
• Portents

FAQs

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

The verse presents classic utpāta-lakṣaṇas (portents): the Sun losing its normal brilliance and the appearance of a dark, monstrous form in the sky—signals of cosmic imbalance often associated with impending calamity or pralaya-like disturbance.

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

In Purāṇic ethics, ominous celestial signs prompt heightened vigilance: rulers are expected to protect the realm through dhārmic governance, charity, and public rites; householders respond with restraint, prayer, and prescribed expiations rather than panic or adharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu rule is stated, but the ritual implication is strong: such omens traditionally call for śānti-karma (pacificatory rites), homa, and protective observances to restore auspiciousness before undertaking major works like temple-building or consecrations.