Shloka 35

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

Devanagari script

अगाधसलिले तस्मिन् मार्कण्डेयः सविस्मयः प्लवंस्तथार्तिम् अगमद् भयात्संत्रस्तलोचनः //

Transliteration

agādhasalile tasmin mārkaṇḍeyaḥ savismayaḥ plavaṃstathārtim agamad bhayātsaṃtrastalocanaḥ //

Translation

In that unfathomably deep expanse of water, Mārkaṇḍeya—astonished—kept floating about, and then, out of fear, he fell into distress, his eyes trembling with terror.

Word by Word

• agādha-salile: in water that is unfathomably deep

• tasmin: in that (flood/expanse)

• mārkaṇḍeyaḥ: (sage) Markandeya

• sa-vismayaḥ: filled with wonder/astonishment

• plavan: floating/drifting

• tathā: then/thereupon

• ārtim: distress, affliction

• agamat: went to, fell into

• bhayāt: from fear

• saṃtrasta-locanaḥ: with frightened/trembling eyes

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing Mārkaṇḍeya’s experience of the Pralaya-flood

Entities Mentioned

• Mārkaṇḍeya

Tags

• Pralaya
• Deluge narrative
• Markandeya
• Fear and wonder
• Cosmic dissolution

FAQs

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

It depicts the lived, psychological reality of Pralaya: an immeasurable oceanic flood where even a great sage experiences disorientation, awe, and fear—signaling the overwhelming power of cosmic dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it underscores a core Purāṇic ethic: worldly stability is fragile, so kings and householders should cultivate dharma, charity, and devotion as lasting supports when external order collapses.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is contextual—Pralaya imagery in the Matsya Purana often frames why sacred rites and dharmic foundations (including temple culture) are valued as anchors amid impermanence.