Shloka 4

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

Devanagari script

औत्पातिकं तु दैत्यानां त्रिपुरे वर्तते ध्रुवम् नारदश्चात्र भगवान् प्रादुर्भूतस्तपोधनः //

Transliteration

autpātikaṃ tu daityānāṃ tripure vartate dhruvam nāradaścātra bhagavān prādurbhūtastapodhanaḥ //

Translation

In Tripura, a sure portent of calamity has arisen for the Daityas; and there the venerable sage Nārada, rich in austerity, has also manifested.

Word by Word

• autpātikam: an ominous portent, a prodigy/evil omen

• tu: indeed/but

• daityānām: of the Daityas (demons, sons of Diti)

• tripure: in Tripura (the three cities/fortresses)

• vartate: exists, prevails, is present

• dhruvam: certainly, surely, inevitably

• nāradaḥ: Nārada

• ca: and

• atra: here/there (in that place)

• bhagavān: the revered one, holy one

• prādurbhūtaḥ: manifested, appeared

• tapodhanaḥ: whose wealth is austerity, rich in tapas (ascetic power)

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) narrating to Vaivasvata Manu (standard Matsya Purana dialogue frame for many adhyayas)

Entities Mentioned

• Daityas
• Tripura
• Narada

Tags

• Tripura
• Daityas
• Omens
• Narada
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it uses the idea of autpāta (ominous portent) to signal an impending reversal of fortune—an approaching crisis for the Daityas in Tripura.

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

By highlighting sure omens and the arrival of a truth-speaking sage (Nārada), the verse implies that rulers and householders should heed ethical warnings, consult wise counsel, and correct adharmic conduct before inevitable downfall.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, “Tripura” points to the famed three fortresses/cities of the Daityas, serving as a narrative backdrop rather than a Vastu rule; ritually, the key takeaway is the auspicious/inauspicious reading of autpāta as a sign demanding corrective action.