Shloka 13

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

Devanagari script

नाहं बिभेमि देवानां सेन्द्राणामपि नारद मुक्त्वैकं वरदं स्थाणुं भक्ताभयकरं हरम् //

Transliteration

nāhaṃ bibhemi devānāṃ sendrāṇāmapi nārada muktvaikaṃ varadaṃ sthāṇuṃ bhaktābhayakaraṃ haram //

Translation

O Nārada, I do not fear the gods—even with Indra among them—except for that one boon-giving Sthāṇu, Hara, who grants fearlessness to his devotees.

Word by Word

• na aham: I do not

• bibhemi: fear

• devānām: of the gods

• sa-indrāṇām api: even (of those) together with Indra

• nārada: O Nārada

• muktvā: except, leaving aside

• ekam: the one

• varadam: giver of boons

• sthāṇum: Sthāṇu (the Steadfast One, Śiva)

• bhakta-abhaya-karam: maker of fearlessness for devotees

• haram: Hara (Śiva, remover of sin/sorrow).

Speaker

• A devotee/voice in the narrative addressing Nārada (devotional declaration within the chapter’s Śiva-praise context)

Entities Mentioned

• Nārada
• Indra
• Devas
• Sthāṇu (Śiva)
• Hara (Śiva)

Tags

• Shiva-bhakti
• Abhaya (fearlessness)
• Stotra
• Deva hierarchy
• Boons (vara)

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it emphasizes theological refuge—only Śiva (Sthāṇu/Hara) is regarded as truly awe-inspiring because he alone grants “abhaya” (fearlessness) to devotees.

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

It frames a practical ethic: rulers and householders should cultivate devotion and humility, recognizing that worldly powers (even the gods) are secondary to the supreme refuge who grants inner fearlessness—supporting steadiness in dharma during crises.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or iconographic rule is stated; ritually, the verse functions as a stotra-style assertion of Śiva as “varada” (boon-giver) and “bhaktābhayakara” (giver of fearlessness), suitable as a devotional recitation in Śiva worship.