Shloka 46

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

Devanagari script

विक्रोशन्ति च गम्भीरा धूमयन्ति ज्वलन्ति च प्रतिमाः सर्वदेवानां वेदयन्ति महद्भयम् //

Transliteration

vikrośanti ca gambhīrā dhūmayanti jvalanti ca pratimāḥ sarvadevānāṃ vedayanti mahadbhayam //

Translation

The images of all the gods cry out in a deep voice; they smoke and even blaze—thus they foretell a great fear (calamity).

Word by Word

• vikrośanti: cry out, wail

• ca: and

• gambhīrāḥ: deep (in tone), grave

• dhūmayanti: emit smoke, smoke

• jvalanti: burn, blaze

• ca: and

• pratimāḥ: images, icons

• sarva-devānām: of all the gods

• vedayanti: make known, announce, indicate

• mahat-bhayam: great fear, great danger/calamity

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Pratimā (deity-image)
• Sarvadevāḥ (all gods)

Tags

• Pratima Lakshana
• Temple Omens
• Ritual Signs
• Iconography
• Nimitta

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic Pralaya directly; it lists ominous signs (nimittas) in deity-images—smoking, blazing, and crying out—that signal an approaching great danger, which could include large-scale societal calamity.

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

Such portents imply a duty to respond through protective dharma—restoring ritual order, consulting priests/experts, performing pacificatory rites (śānti), and correcting neglect of temple worship—actions expected of both rulers (for public welfare) and householders (for their local shrine).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, abnormal behavior of icons (smoke, flame, uncanny sounds) is treated as a serious temple-nimitta requiring immediate śānti and investigation of faults in installation, worship procedure, or maintenance—core concerns in Matsya Purana’s temple iconography and sacred-space governance.