Shloka 35

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

Devanagari script

अश्वरूपेण महता तेजसा च समावृतः संज्ञा च मनसा क्षोभम् अगमद्भयविह्वला //

Transliteration

aśvarūpeṇa mahatā tejasā ca samāvṛtaḥ saṃjñā ca manasā kṣobham agamadbhayavihvalā //

Translation

Enveloped in a great, blazing radiance, he appeared in the form of a horse; and Saṃjñā, terrified, became inwardly shaken and mentally agitated.

Word by Word

• aśvarūpeṇa: in the form of a horse

• mahatā: great, immense

• tejasā: by radiance, splendor, fiery energy

• ca: and

• samāvṛtaḥ: covered, enveloped

• saṃjñā: Saṃjñā (name of Sūrya’s wife)

• ca: and

• manasā: in the mind, mentally

• kṣobham: agitation, disturbance

• agamat: went into, attained

• bhaya-vihvalā: shaken with fear, terror-stricken

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the Purāṇic episode (within the Matsya Purāṇa’s continuous narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Saṃjñā

Tags

• Solar Dynasty
• Mythology
• Divine Radiance
• Transformation
• Puranic Narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights divine tejas (overwhelming radiance) and transformation, a recurring Purāṇic motif used to explain how cosmic power affects embodied beings.

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

Indirectly, it frames the Solar lineage narrative (connected to Manu traditions) and teaches restraint and discernment: overwhelming power (tejas) can destabilize the mind, so householders and rulers should cultivate steadiness and self-control.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its key takeaway is the concept of tejas—important in iconography and ritual theory as the ‘radiant potency’ associated with deities and consecrated forms.