Shloka 44

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

Devanagari script

जगामोपवनं शम्भोर् अश्वाकृष्टः प्रतापवान् कल्पद्रुमलताकीर्णं नाम्ना शरवणं महत् //

Transliteration

jagāmopavanaṃ śambhor aśvākṛṣṭaḥ pratāpavān kalpadrumalatākīrṇaṃ nāmnā śaravaṇaṃ mahat //

Translation

Drawn onward by his horse, the mighty and radiant one went to Śambhu’s sacred grove—an expansive woodland called Śaravaṇa, thickly overgrown with creepers of wish-fulfilling trees.

Word by Word

• jagāma: went

• upavanam: to the sacred grove/woodland

• śambhoḥ: of Śambhu (Lord Śiva)

• aśva-ākṛṣṭaḥ: pulled/drawn by the horse

• pratāpavān: powerful, radiant, valorous

• kalpadruma-latā-kīrṇam: strewn/filled with creepers (latā) of wish-fulfilling trees (kalpadruma)

• nāmnā: by name

• śaravaṇam: Śaravaṇa (a named grove)

• mahat: great, vast.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrative voice, describing events)

Entities Mentioned

• Śambhu (Śiva)
• Śaravaṇa (sacred grove)
• Kalpadruma (wish-fulfilling tree)

Tags

• Tirtha
• Shaiva
• Sacred Grove
• Pilgrimage
• Mythic Geography

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on a narrative movement toward Śiva’s sacred grove, highlighting sacred geography rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the Purāṇic ideal of approaching sacred places (tīrtha/upavana) for merit and guidance—an act recommended for rulers and householders as part of dharmic life and pilgrimage-based purification.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance lies in the setting: an upavana (sacred grove) associated with Śiva, a common Purāṇic locus for worship, vows, and tīrtha practices; no explicit Vāstu or temple-construction rule is stated in this verse.