Shloka 81

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

यथा बाणप्रहाराणां कवचं भवति वारणम् तद्वद्दैवोपघातानां शान्तिर्भवति वारणम् //

Transliteration

yathā bāṇaprahārāṇāṃ kavacaṃ bhavati vāraṇam tadvaddaivopaghātānāṃ śāntirbhavati vāraṇam //

Translation

Just as armor serves as a ward against the blows of arrows, so too śānti—the pacificatory rite—serves as a ward against afflictions caused by daiva (fate).

Word by Word

• yathā: just as

• bāṇa: arrow

• prahāra: blow/strike

• bāṇaprahārāṇām: of the strikes of arrows

• kavacam: armor, protective cuirass

• bhavati: becomes/is

• vāraṇam: a warding, prevention, protection

• tadvat: in the same way

• daiva: fate, divine dispensation

• upaghāta: harm, calamity, affliction

• daivopaghātānām: of calamities arising from fate/divine causes

• śāntiḥ: pacification, propitiatory rite, appeasement

• bhavati vāraṇam: becomes a means of warding off

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a didactic dialogue on remedies/śānti)

Entities Mentioned

• Daiva
• Śānti
• Kavaca

Tags

• Shanti
• Ritual Remedies
• Daiva
• Protection
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it teaches a general principle that ritual pacification (śānti) functions as protection against daiva-born calamities, which can include large-scale disturbances but is framed here as a remedial doctrine.

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

It supports the duty to maintain social and personal welfare through dharmic remedies: a king commissions śānti to protect the realm from ominous afflictions, while a householder performs or sponsors śānti to avert misfortune and restore auspiciousness.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it affirms śānti as a protective ‘shield’ against inauspicious forces; in applied Vāstu/temple practice, such śānti is often prescribed as a corrective rite when signs, defects, or omens indicate daiva-type obstruction to prosperity.