Shloka 31

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

Devanagari script

ततः कदाचिदथ वै पुनर्वक्त्राद्विनिःसृतः सुप्तं न्यग्रोधशाखायां बालमेकं निरैक्षत //

Transliteration

tataḥ kadācidatha vai punarvaktrādviniḥsṛtaḥ suptaṃ nyagrodhaśākhāyāṃ bālamekaṃ niraikṣata //

Translation

Then, at a certain time, he again emerged from the mouth and beheld a single child, asleep upon a branch of a banyan tree.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then/thereafter

• kadācit: at some time/once

• atha: then

• vai: indeed

• punaḥ: again

• vaktrāt: from the mouth

• viniḥsṛtaḥ: having come out/emerged

• suptam: sleeping/asleep

• nyagrodha-śākhāyām: on the branch of a banyan (nyagrodha) tree

• bālam: a child

• ekam: one/single

• niraikṣata: he saw/beheld/observed

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narration within the Matsya–Manu deluge frame; speaker commonly Sūta recounting the episode)

Entities Mentioned

• Nyagrodha (banyan)
• Bāla (mysterious child)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya-Avatara
• Manu
• Divine-vision
• Puranic-symbolism

FAQs

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

It presents a visionary motif often used in pralaya contexts: after an overwhelming dissolution, a lone child resting on a banyan branch signifies continuity of life and divine preservation beyond cosmic collapse.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces a key Purāṇic ethic: even amid crisis and uncertainty, one should remain attentive, discerning, and faithful to dharma—recognizing signs that guide right action rather than succumbing to despair.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the nyagrodha functions symbolically (a sacred, life-sustaining tree), frequently associated with sanctity, protection, and the idea of an enduring cosmic support.