Shloka 39

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

Devanagari script

यमुना तपती चैव पुनर्नद्यौ बभूवतुः विष्टिर्घोरात्मिका तद्वत् कालत्वेन व्यवस्थिता //

Transliteration

yamunā tapatī caiva punarnadyau babhūvatuḥ viṣṭirghorātmikā tadvat kālatvena vyavasthitā //

Translation

Yamunā and Tapatī again became rivers; likewise Viṣṭi—of dreadful nature—was established in the same manner, as an embodiment of Time (Kāla).

Word by Word

• यमुना (yamunā): the Yamunā river-goddess/river

• तपती (tapatī): the Tapatī (Tapti) river-goddess/river

• च एव (ca eva): and indeed

• पुनः (punar): again, once more

• नद्यौ (nadyau): the two rivers (dual)

• बभूवतुः (babhūvatuḥ): became, came to be (dual perfect)

• विष्टिः (viṣṭiḥ): Viṣṭi (a feared inauspicious force

• घोर-आत्मिका (ghora-ātmikā): of terrifying nature/essence

• तद्वत् (tadvat): likewise, in the same manner

• कालत्वेन (kālatvena): as Time-ness, in the form/status of Kāla

• व्यवस्थिता (vyavasthitā): established, stationed, set in order

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in the Matsya–Manu dialogue, describing cosmic/time portents)

Entities Mentioned

• Yamunā
• Tapatī (Tapti)
• Viṣṭi
• Kāla (Time)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Kāla
• Portents
• Sacred Rivers
• Cosmic Order

FAQs

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

It frames natural and astral forces as being re-ordered under Kāla (Time), suggesting that even rivers and inauspicious powers like Viṣṭi become instruments through which dissolution and cosmic transition are administered.

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

By highlighting Viṣṭi’s dreadful character and Kāla’s governance, it supports the Purāṇic ethic of choosing auspicious times for major acts (royal decisions, rites, journeys) and maintaining dharmic discipline when ominous time-signs prevail.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, Viṣṭi is traditionally treated as inauspicious for commencements; the verse reinforces time-selection (muhūrta) principles relevant to temple-building, consecrations, and other Vastu Shastra–aligned undertakings.