Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Origin of Soma

Devanagari script

स्तूयमानस्य तस्याभूद् अधिको धामसम्भवः तेजोवितानादभवद् भुवि दिव्यौषधीगणः //

Transliteration

stūyamānasya tasyābhūd adhiko dhāmasambhavaḥ tejovitānādabhavad bhuvi divyauṣadhīgaṇaḥ //

Translation

As he was being praised, an even greater manifestation of his radiant glory arose; and from that canopy of splendor there came into being upon the earth a host of divine medicinal herbs.

Word by Word

स्तूयमानस्यof (him) who is being praised

तस्यof him/that one

अभूत्arose/came to be

अधिकःgreater, exceeding

धामसम्भवःarising of radiance/glory (dhāma = divine splendor)

तेजोवितानात्from the canopy/expanse of light (tejas)

अभवत्came into being

भुविon the earth

दिव्यौषधीगणःa multitude/collection of divine herbs (medicinal plants).

Speaker

Sūta (narrator) describing the praised divine being (contextually a deity of great tejas, aligned with Purāṇic praise of Viṣṇu/Matsya)

Entities Mentioned

Dhāma (divine radiance)Tejas (splendor)Divyauṣadhis (divine herbs)

FAQs

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

It presents a creation motif: praise (stuti) intensifies divine tejas, and that radiance becomes a generative cause for life-supporting substances—here, divine medicinal herbs—rather than describing dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic stewardship: rulers and householders should protect sacred flora and medicinal resources, since the Purāṇa frames them as born from divine radiance and meant for the welfare of beings.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights stuti as a potency-increasing act (praise amplifies tejas). In temple/ritual practice, divyauṣadhis are often associated with healing rites and auspicious offerings, reflecting the idea that sacred substances arise from divine presence.