Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Procedure for Going to Prayaga and the Greatness of the Ganga

Devanagari script

तत्र ते द्वादशादित्यास् तपन्ति रुद्रसंश्रिताः निर्दहन्ति जगत्सर्वं वटमूलं न दह्यते //

Transliteration

tatra te dvādaśādityās tapanti rudrasaṃśritāḥ nirdahanti jagatsarvaṃ vaṭamūlaṃ na dahyate //

Translation

There the twelve Ādityas, abiding in association with the Rudras, blaze forth; they burn up the entire universe—yet the root of the banyan tree is not burned.

Word by Word

• tatra: there (in that state/time)

• te: those

• dvādaśa-ādityāḥ: the twelve solar deities (Ādityas)

• tapanti: blaze/heat intensely

• rudra-saṃśritāḥ: sheltered in/associated with the Rudras

• nirdahanti: burn up completely

• jagat-sarvam: the whole world/universe

• vaṭa-mūlam: the banyan’s root (vaṭa = banyan)

• na: not

• dahyate: is burned/gets consumed

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (context of Pralaya description)

Entities Mentioned

• Dvādaśa Ādityas
• Rudras
• Vaṭa (banyan)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmic Fire
• Adityas
• Rudras
• Puranic Cosmology

FAQs

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

It depicts pralaya as a universe-consuming conflagration driven by divine solar powers (Ādityas) aligned with Rudras, while hinting at an imperishable remainder—symbolized by the banyan root—that survives dissolution.

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

By stressing that even cosmic structures dissolve, it underlines the Matsya Purana ethic of non-attachment and dharmic steadiness: rulers and householders should govern/act righteously knowing worldly forms are transient, while safeguarding enduring principles (dharma) that ‘remain’ like the banyan root.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Direct Vāstu rules are not stated, but the banyan root functions as a ritual-cosmic symbol of stability and continuity—often echoed in sacred-grove practice and temple ecology—suggesting the idea of an enduring ‘root’ or axis even amid cycles of destruction.