Shloka 48

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

Devanagari script

नद्यश्च प्रतिकूलानि वहन्ति कलुषोदकाः न प्रकाशन्ति च दिशो रक्तरेणुसमाकुलाः //

Transliteration

nadyaśca pratikūlāni vahanti kaluṣodakāḥ na prakāśanti ca diśo raktareṇusamākulāḥ //

Translation

The rivers flow contrary to their natural course, their waters turned foul; and the directions themselves do not appear clear, being choked with red dust.

Word by Word

• नद्यः: rivers

• च: and

• प्रतिकूलानि: contrary (to the natural course), adverse

• वहन्ति: flow, carry

• कलुष-उदकाः: having turbid/impure water

• न: not

• प्रकाशन्ति: shine forth/appear clearly

• च: and

• दिशः: directions/quarters of space

• रक्त-रेणु-समाकुलाः: filled with red dust (red particles), thick with crimson dust

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within the Matsya–Manu dialogue)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Utpata
• Cosmic Disorder
• Omens
• Matsya-Manu Dialogue

FAQs

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

It presents classic utpāta (portents) of impending dissolution: nature reverses its order (rivers flowing against their course) and the atmosphere becomes obscured (directions hidden by red dust), signaling cosmic instability before pralaya.

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

Such omens imply a time for heightened vigilance and dharmic response—maintaining public order, protecting people from environmental danger, and strengthening ritual/ethical conduct rather than pursuing normal expansion or luxury, aligning with Purāṇic governance ideals during calamity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not giving direct Vāstu rules, it underscores an auspiciousness principle used in ritual and site-selection: environmental anomalies (turbid waters, dust-darkened horizons) are treated as inauspicious indicators, prompting postponement, purification rites, or reconsideration of timing for consecrations and constructions.