Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — Śiva–Pārvatī Quarrel and Pārvatī’s Resolve for Austerity to Attain Gaurī-hood

Devanagari script

अवष्टब्धम् अथास्फाल्य वासः शंकरपाणिना विपर्यस्तालका वेगाद् यातुमैच्छत शैलजा //

Transliteration

avaṣṭabdham athāsphālya vāsaḥ śaṃkarapāṇinā viparyastālakā vegād yātumaicchata śailajā //

Translation

Then, with Śaṅkara’s hand clutching and tugging at her garment, the Mountain-born Goddess—her tresses thrown into disarray—sought to depart in haste.

Word by Word

• अवष्टब्धम्: seized/held fast

• अथ: then

• आस्फाल्य: jerking/pulling (with a sudden tug)

• वासः: garment/robe

• शंकरपाणिना: by Śaṅkara’s hand

• विपर्यस्त-आलका: with disordered/overturned curls (tresses in disarray)

• वेगात्: swiftly, with force/in haste

• यातुम्: to go, to depart

• ऐच्छत: wished, desired

• शैलजा: the Mountain-born (Pārvatī).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) describing the Shiva–Parvati episode (likely within the Sūta–Śaunaka framing)

Entities Mentioned

• Shankara (Shiva)
• Shailaja (Parvati/Girija)

Tags

• Shaiva narrative
• Parvati
• Shiva
• Mythic episode
• Divine household

FAQs

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

Nothing directly: this verse is a narrative moment in a Śiva–Pārvatī episode, focusing on emotion and action rather than cosmology or Pralaya.

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

Indirectly, it reflects household dynamics and restraint: the scene underscores how powerful emotions and interpersonal conflict can arise even in idealized divine narratives, serving as a cautionary mirror for self-control in domestic life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated here; the verse is purely narrative, describing the goddess’s attempted departure and Śiva’s grasp.