Shloka 17

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

Devanagari script

अङ्गिरःप्रमुखाश्चैव तथा ब्रह्मर्षयः परे तथा नागाः सुपर्णाश्च सिद्धाश्च खेचराश्च ये //

Transliteration

aṅgiraḥpramukhāścaiva tathā brahmarṣayaḥ pare tathā nāgāḥ suparṇāśca siddhāśca khecarāśca ye //

Translation

Led by Aṅgiras, and likewise other great Brahmarṣis; and also the Nāgas, the Suparṇas (Garuda-like beings), the Siddhas, and the Khecaras who move through the sky—all of them (were present/are enumerated).

Word by Word

aṅgiraḥ-pramukhāḥheaded by Aṅgiras

ca evaand indeed

tathālikewise/also

brahmarṣayaḥBrahmarṣis, seers of the highest order

pareothers/additional

nāgāḥserpent-divinities

suparṇāḥ‘good-winged’ beings, Garuḍa-class/winged celestials

siddhāḥperfected beings endowed with yogic attainments

khecarāḥsky-goers, aerial beings

yethose who

Speaker

Sūta (narratorial voice) recounting the cosmic/celestial assembly (context within Matsya Purana’s dialogue framework)

Entities Mentioned

AṅgirasBrahmarṣisNāgasSuparṇasSiddhasKhecaras

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it catalogs the classes of exalted beings (rishis and celestial orders) who populate and witness the cosmic order that persists across cycles.

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

Indirectly, it frames an ideal of hierarchy and sacred order: kings and householders are urged elsewhere in the Matsya Purana to uphold dharma in harmony with the broader cosmic community overseen by rishis and divine beings.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure appears in this line; its practical value is contextual—identifying the authoritative celestial/rishi milieu that later validates rites, consecrations, and sacred regulations.