Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — Solar Dynasty Prelude: Vivasvān–Saṃjñā–Chāyā

Devanagari script

कृकवाकुर्मया दत्तो यः कृमीन्भक्षयिष्यति क्लेदं च रुधिरं चैव वत्सायम् अपनेष्यति //

Transliteration

kṛkavākurmayā datto yaḥ kṛmīnbhakṣayiṣyati kledaṃ ca rudhiraṃ caiva vatsāyam apaneṣyati //

Translation

“Given by me in the form of the bird Kṛkavāku, this will devour the worms; and it will also remove the oozing moisture and the blood from the calf.”

Word by Word

• कृकवाकुर्मया: by me in the form of Kṛkavāku (a bird-name)

• दत्तः: given/bestowed

• यः: which/that

• कृमीन्: worms/parasites

• भक्षयिष्यति: will eat/devour/destroy

• क्लेदम्: moisture/oozing/damp discharge

• च: and

• रुधिरम्: blood

• च एव: and indeed/also

• वत्सायाम्: in/for the calf (vatsā—calf

• अपनेष्यति: will remove/take away

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu), instructing Vaivasvata Manu in a didactic sequence

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Kṛkavāku

Tags

• Ritual-Healing
• Animal-Husbandry
• Purana-Remedies
• Dharma-Practice
• Pragmatic-Instructions

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya directly; it reflects the Matsya Purana’s practical, preservative concern for sustaining life—here, protecting livestock/offspring by removing parasites and harmful discharge.

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

It supports the dharmic duty of protection and welfare: a householder (and by extension a king) is expected to safeguard dependents and resources—cattle and calves being central to agrarian prosperity—through appropriate remedies and care.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or temple-architecture rule is stated; the ritual significance lies in a prescribed protective/curative measure framed as a boon/instruction from the deity for removing worms and pathological discharge.