Shloka 52

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

Devanagari script

असुराणां विनाशाय सुराणां विजयाय च दृश्यन्ते विविधोत्पाता घोरा घोरनिदर्शनाः //

Transliteration

asurāṇāṃ vināśāya surāṇāṃ vijayāya ca dṛśyante vividhotpātā ghorā ghoranidarśanāḥ //

Translation

For the destruction of the Asuras and for the victory of the Devas, many kinds of dreadful portents are seen—terrifying signs that foretell a terrible outcome.

Word by Word

• asurāṇām: of the Asuras (anti-god forces)

• vināśāya: for destruction/ruin

• surāṇām: of the Devas (gods)

• vijayāya: for victory

• ca: and

• dṛśyante: are seen/appear

• vividha-utpātāḥ: various omens/portents

• ghorāḥ: dreadful/terrible

• ghora-nidarśanāḥ: indicating (nidarsana) terror/doom

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing the significance of omens within the Deva–Asura conflict

Entities Mentioned

• Asuras
• Devas

Tags

• Utpata
• Omens
• Deva-Asura
• Dharma
• War-Portents

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it frames “utpātas” (portents) as cosmic indicators that a major overturning of power is imminent—here, the fall of Asuric forces and the rise of the Devas.

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

In Purāṇic ethics, recognizing ominous signs is tied to prudent action—kings are expected to consult learned counsel and perform protective rites, while householders respond with restraint, charity, and dharmic conduct rather than panic.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu rule is stated, but the verse belongs to the omen-framework often used to justify śānti/propitiatory rites (pacifying rituals) undertaken when alarming signs appear.