Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — Origin of Soma

Devanagari script

ततो वव्रे वरान्सोमः शक्रलोकं जयाम्यहम् प्रत्यक्षमेव भोक्तारो भवन्तु मम मन्दिरे //

Transliteration

tato vavre varānsomaḥ śakralokaṃ jayāmyaham pratyakṣameva bhoktāro bhavantu mama mandire //

Translation

Then Soma chose his boons: “May I conquer the world of Śakra (Indra); and may the enjoyers (the gods) become directly present as recipients in my temple.”

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then

• vavre: chose/asked for

• varān: boons

• somaḥ: Soma (the Moon-god)

• śakralokam: Śakra’s (Indra’s) world/heaven

• jayāmi: I conquer/I shall win

• aham: I

• pratyakṣam eva: directly, manifestly

• bhoktāraḥ: enjoyers/partakers/recipients of offerings

• bhavantu: let them be

• mama: my

• mandire: in (my) temple/shrine

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narration within the Matsya Purāṇa; Soma is quoted speaking his boon-request)

Entities Mentioned

• Soma
• Śakra (Indra)
• Śakraloka
• Mandira (temple)

Tags

• Boons
• Devaloka
• Indra
• Temple ritual
• Divine presence

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it reflects a boon-request narrative focused on divine realms (Śakra’s heaven) and manifest divine participation in temple worship.

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

It implies that prosperity and divine favor are sought through sanctioned aims (victory, status) coupled with temple-centered worship—suggesting the householder/king should maintain temples and ensure proper offerings so the devas are treated as true recipients.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The key ritual idea is “pratyakṣa” presence—temple worship is framed as making divine recipients effectively present; this supports Matsya Purana themes where mandira (temple) is a locus for real, efficacious offering and communion.