Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Ritual Bathing

Devanagari script

देवा यक्षास्तथा नागा गन्धर्वाप्सरसो ऽसुराः क्रूराः सर्पाः सुपर्णाश्च तरवो जम्बुकाः खगाः //

Transliteration

devā yakṣāstathā nāgā gandharvāpsaraso 'surāḥ krūrāḥ sarpāḥ suparṇāśca taravo jambukāḥ khagāḥ //

Translation

The gods, the Yakṣas, and likewise the Nāgas; the Gandharvas and Apsarases, and the Asuras; fierce serpents, Suparṇas (great birds), trees, jackals, and birds—(all these classes are spoken of).

Word by Word

devāḥgods

yakṣāḥyakṣas (nature-spirits/guardians of wealth)

tathālikewise

nāgāḥnāgas (serpent-beings)

gandharvagandharvas (celestial musicians)

apsarasaḥapsarases (celestial nymphs)

asurāḥasuras (anti-god/demonic beings)

krūrāḥfierce, cruel

sarpāḥserpents

suparṇāḥsuparṇas, great winged beings (often associated with Garuḍa-kind)

caand

taravaḥtrees

jambukāḥjackals

khagāḥbirds (lit. “sky-goers”).

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

DevasYakshasNagasGandharvasApsarasesAsurasSarpasSuparnasTreesJackalsBirds

FAQs

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

This verse functions as a cosmological enumeration: it names multiple orders of beings that populate the worlds; it does not directly describe Pralaya, but supports the broader Purāṇic mapping of existence that is later subject to creation and dissolution cycles.

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

By recognizing many classes of beings—divine, semi-divine, animal, and even plant life—the Purāṇic worldview underlines a king’s duty of protection and a householder’s duty of non-cruelty and right conduct toward all living orders within the realm.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated in this line; its relevance is contextual—such enumerations often frame later instructions about ritual offerings, protections, and auspicious considerations involving various beings.