Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Omens in Tripura and the Nārada–Maya Dialogue on Dharma

Devanagari script

औत्पातिकं पुरे ऽस्माकं यथा नान्यत्र कुत्रचित् वर्तते वर्तमानज्ञ वद त्वं हि च नारद //

Transliteration

autpātikaṃ pure 'smākaṃ yathā nānyatra kutracit vartate vartamānajña vada tvaṃ hi ca nārada //

Translation

“In our city extraordinary portents are occurring, such as are found nowhere else. O knower of what is happening in the present, speak—tell me truly, O Nārada.”

Word by Word

• autpātikam: unnatural portent/ominous phenomenon

• pure: in the city

• asmākam: of ours/in our

• yathā: such as/just as

• na: not

• anyatra: elsewhere

• kutracit: anywhere

• vartate: occurs/prevails

• vartamāna-jña: knower of the present circumstances

• vada: speak/tell

• tvam: you

• hi: indeed

• ca: and

• nārada: O Nārada

Speaker

• A king/city-ruler (addressing Sage Nārada)

Entities Mentioned

• Nārada

Tags

• Omens
• Autpāta
• City
• Kingship
• Puranic counsel

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it focuses on rare, abnormal portents (autpāta) appearing in a city—typically treated in Purāṇic literature as warnings of impending disorder, calamity, or adharma rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

It reflects a ruler’s duty to remain vigilant about public welfare and to seek learned counsel when unusual signs appear, indicating responsible governance: investigating causes, consulting sages, and taking remedial action to protect the realm.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While no specific building rule is stated, the setting is explicitly urban (“in our city”), aligning with Vastu-related sections where abnormal signs in settlements prompt ritual appeasements (śānti) and corrective measures to restore auspiciousness.