Shloka 21

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

Devanagari script

एवं स लोकपालत्वम् अगमच्छूलपाणिनः पितॄणां चाधिपत्यं च धर्माधर्मस्य चानघ //

Transliteration

evaṃ sa lokapālatvam agamacchūlapāṇinaḥ pitṝṇāṃ cādhipatyaṃ ca dharmādharmasya cānagha //

Translation

Thus, O sinless one, he attained the office of a guardian of the worlds under Śūlapāṇi (Śiva), and also the lordship over the Pitṛs, as well as authority concerning both dharma and adharma.

Word by Word

• evam: thus

• saḥ: he

• lokapālatvam: the status/office of a world-guardian (Lokapāla)

• agamat: attained/reached

• śūlapāṇinaḥ: of Śūlapāṇi (Śiva, the trident-bearer)

• pitṝṇām: of the Pitṛs (ancestral manes)

• ca: and

• ādhipatyam: lordship/sovereignty

• dharma-adharmasya: of dharma and adharma

• ca: and

• anagha: O blameless one (a respectful address).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) summarizing the bestowal of offices within the cosmic order

Entities Mentioned

• Śūlapāṇi (Śiva)
• Pitṛs
• Lokapāla
• Dharma
• Adharma

Tags

• Cosmic administration
• Lokapālas
• Pitṛs
• Dharma
• Śaiva reference

FAQs

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

It reflects the post-creation ordering of the cosmos: specific jurisdictions (Lokapāla-ship, Pitṛ authority, and oversight of dharma/adharma) are assigned, indicating structured governance rather than pralaya-events.

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

By emphasizing authority over dharma and adharma and the Pitṛs, it mirrors the householder’s obligations toward ancestral rites (śrāddha) and the king’s role as upholder of dharma—both aligning human duty with cosmic administration.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, the mention of Pitṛ-lordship points to the importance of Pitṛ-related rites (śrāddha, tarpaṇa). No direct Vāstu/temple-construction rule appears in this verse.