Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — Nārāyaṇa as Haṃsa in the Cosmic Ocean: Vedic Yajña-Puruṣa and Mārkaṇḍeya’s Vi...

Devanagari script

देशान्राष्ट्राणि चित्राणि पुराणि विविधानि च जपहोमपरः शान्तस् तपो घोरं समास्थितः //

Transliteration

deśānrāṣṭrāṇi citrāṇi purāṇi vividhāni ca japahomaparaḥ śāntas tapo ghoraṃ samāsthitaḥ //

Translation

He has seen diverse lands and kingdoms, and many ancient traditions in their varied forms; devoted to mantra-recitation and sacrificial oblations, tranquil in mind, he has undertaken rigorous austerity.

Word by Word

• deśān: lands/regions

• rāṣṭrāṇi: kingdoms/states

• citrāṇi: wondrous/variegated (many-colored, diverse)

• purāṇi: ancient lore/old traditions (Purāṇic accounts)

• vividhāni: of many kinds/various

• ca: and

• japa: silent/voiced mantra-recitation

• homa: fire-offering/oblations

• paraḥ: devoted to/intent upon

• śāntaḥ: peaceful, composed

• tapaḥ: austerity/ascetic discipline

• ghoram: severe, formidable

• samāsthitaḥ: has undertaken/has firmly entered upon.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution typical to Matsya Purana discourse)

Tags

• Dharma
• Japa
• Homa
• Tapas
• Shanti

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing Pralaya directly; it highlights the disciplined, calm ascetic life—japa, homa, and severe tapas—which in Purāṇic teaching is a means to spiritual steadiness across cosmic cycles.

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

It presents an ideal of self-control and ritual regularity: even rulers and householders are urged to cultivate śānti (inner composure) and support or emulate japa-homa practices, balancing worldly travel/administration with dharmic discipline.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is explicit: japa (mantra-recitation) and homa (fire-offering) are upheld as core practices, implying that correct ritual procedure and inner tranquility are prerequisites for effective sacred acts.