Shloka 27

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

Devanagari script

ज्ञातस्त्वं मत्स्यरूपेण मां खेदयसि केशव हृषीकेश जगन्नाथ जगद्धाम नमो ऽस्तु ते //

Transliteration

jñātastvaṃ matsyarūpeṇa māṃ khedayasi keśava hṛṣīkeśa jagannātha jagaddhāma namo 'stu te //

Translation

I have recognized You in the form of the Fish; yet You trouble me (by testing me). O Keśava, O Hṛṣīkeśa, O Lord of the universe, O abode of the universe—salutations to You.

Word by Word

• ज्ञातः (jñātaḥ): recognized/known

• त्वं (tvaṃ): You

• मत्स्य-रूपेण (matsya-rūpeṇa): in the form of Matsya (the Fish)

• मां (māṃ): me

• खेदयसि (khedayasi): afflict/trouble/test

• केशव (keśava): Keśava (Vishnu, slayer of Keśin)

• हृषीकेश (hṛṣīkeśa): Hṛṣīkeśa (Lord of the senses)

• जगन्नाथ (jagannātha): Lord of the world

• जगद्धाम (jagaddhāma): abode/support of the universe

• नमः अस्तु ते (namo 'stu te): may there be salutations to You

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya (Vishnu’s Fish Incarnation)
• Keshava (Vishnu)
• Hrishikesha (Vishnu)
• Jagannatha (Vishnu)
• Jagaddhama (Vishnu)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya-Avatara
• Stuti (Praise)
• Divine Test
• Vishnu Names

FAQs

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

It situates the scene within the Matsya (Fish) manifestation associated with the coming deluge: Manu recognizes the divine avatāra who will guide through pralaya, even if the encounter feels like a test or disturbance.

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

Manu models ideal conduct under uncertainty: discernment (recognizing the divine), humility, and reverence. For a ruler/householder, it implies steadiness and devotion when confronted with trials that may be divinely ordained.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-building rule appears in this verse; its ritual value is as a stuti—invoking Vishnu’s epithets for protection and right orientation before major rites or Purāṇic recitation on pralaya themes.