Shloka 21

Matsya Purana — Prologue to the Matsya Purana and the Manu–Pralaya Rescue Narrative

Devanagari script

पुनः प्राहार्तनादेन सहस्रकिरणात्मजम् स मत्स्यः पाहि पाहीति त्वामहं शरणं गतः //

Transliteration

punaḥ prāhārtanādena sahasrakiraṇātmajam sa matsyaḥ pāhi pāhīti tvāmahaṃ śaraṇaṃ gataḥ //

Translation

Again, with a trembling, distressed cry, I have sought refuge in you—O Matsya, offspring of the thousand-rayed (Sun): “Protect me, protect me!”

Word by Word

• punaḥ: again

• prāhārtanādena: with a pained/anguished cry (a distressed utterance)

• sahasra-kiraṇa-ātmajam: the son/offspring of the thousand-rayed one (the Sun

• saḥ: he/that (addressing/indicating)

• matsyaḥ: O Matsya (Fish-incarnation)

• pāhi pāhi iti: “protect, protect,” thus

• tvām: you

• aham: I

• śaraṇam: refuge

• gataḥ: have gone/approached

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (Sūryavaṃśa progenitor) addressing Lord Matsya

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Surya (Sahasrakirana)

Tags

• Pralaya
• MatsyaAvatara
• Sharanagati
• Manu
• Protection

FAQs

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

It shows the human response to impending cosmic danger—Manu’s urgent surrender and plea for protection—setting the devotional tone of the Pralaya (deluge) episode.

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

It models dharmic humility: even a ruler like Manu recognizes limits of human power and seeks rightful refuge in the divine when protecting life and order becomes impossible by ordinary means.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated here; the verse is primarily a surrender-prayer (śaraṇāgati) that frames the ritual mood of seeking divine protection.