Shloka 58

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

Devanagari script

ससंभ्रममकस्मात्तां सोपालम्भमिवावदत् त्यक्त्वाग्निहोत्रशुश्रूषां क्व गता मन्दिरान्मम //

Transliteration

sasaṃbhramamakasmāttāṃ sopālambhamivāvadat tyaktvāgnihotraśuśrūṣāṃ kva gatā mandirānmama //

Translation

Suddenly, in a rush of agitation, he spoke to her as if in reproach: “Having abandoned the attentive service of the Agnihotra, where have you gone from my house?”

Word by Word

• ससंभ्रमम्: in agitation, hurriedly

• अकस्मात्: suddenly

• ताम्: to her

• सोपालम्भम्: with reproach, with a complaining tone

• इव: as if

• अवदत्: he said/spoke

• त्यक्त्वा: having abandoned

• अग्निहोत्र-शुश्रूषाम्: the dutiful tending/service of the Agnihotra (sacred fire rite)

• क्व: where?

• गता: gone

• मन्दिरात्: from the house/dwelling

• मम: my

Speaker

• A householder/husband (contextual speaker within the narrative of Adhyaya 11; not Lord Matsya)

Entities Mentioned

• Agnihotra

Tags

• Agnihotra
• Grihastha-dharma
• Ritual duty
• Domestic discipline
• Vedic fire

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on household ritual discipline, specifically the obligation to maintain the Agnihotra.

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

It reflects Gṛhastha-dharma: the householder is expected to uphold daily sacred-fire rites (Agnihotra) with attentive service; neglect is treated as a serious lapse in duty.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights Agnihotra-śuśrūṣā—continuous tending of the sacred domestic fire—implying the centrality of the household shrine/fire-space within the home’s sacred routine.