Shloka 24

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

Devanagari script

वडबारूपम् आस्थाय मत्सकाशम् इहागता निवारिता मया सा नु त्वया चैव दिवाकर //

Transliteration

vaḍabārūpam āsthāya matsakāśam ihāgatā nivāritā mayā sā nu tvayā caiva divākara //

Translation

Assuming the form of Vaḍabā—the mare-faced submarine fire—she came here into the presence of Matsya. I restrained her; yet, O Divākara (Sun), was she restrained by you as well?

Word by Word

• वडबारूपम् (vaḍabārūpam): the form of Vaḍabā, the mare-faced submarine fire

• आस्थाय (āsthāya): having assumed/taken on

• मत्सकाशम् (matsakāśam): to the presence of Matsya/near Matsya

• इह (iha): here

• आगता (āgatā): came/arrived

• निवारिता (nivāritā): restrained/checked/warded off

• मया (mayā): by me

• सा (sā): she/that (female entity, i.e., Vaḍabā)

• नु (nu): indeed/then (emphatic particle)

• त्वया (tvayā): by you

• च एव (caiva): and indeed/also

• दिवाकर (divākara): O Sun, maker of day

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Divākara (the Sun-god), within the broader Matsya–Manu deluge narrative

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaḍabā (submarine fire)
• Divākara (Surya)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya-Avatara
• Cosmic Fire
• Vedic Deities
• Deluge Narrative

FAQs

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

It alludes to a destructive cosmic force—Vaḍabā, the submarine fire—being restrained, implying that pralaya involves multiple catastrophic energies (fire as well as flood) that must be checked to preserve cosmic order.

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

By analogy, it emphasizes restraint (nivarana) of harmful forces: just as divine powers curb cosmic threats, a king/householder is expected to curb disorder—protecting society, regulating passions, and preventing calamities through disciplined governance and dharmic conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated; however, the verse’s theme of 'restraining destructive fire' aligns with ritual concerns for fire-control and purity in yajña contexts, a background principle often echoed in Purāṇic ritual manuals.