Shloka 74

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

नानारूपासु जातीनां तिर्यग्योनिषु मूर्तिषु यदाहारा भवन्त्येते तासु तास्विह योनिषु //

Transliteration

nānārūpāsu jātīnāṃ tiryagyoniṣu mūrtiṣu yadāhārā bhavantyete tāsu tāsviha yoniṣu //

Translation

Among the many kinds of species, in the embodied forms born in animal wombs (tiryagyoni), these beings become such as their food; in each and every womb here, they take on the diet belonging to that particular birth.

Word by Word

• nānā-rūpāsu: in many forms/varieties

• jātīnām: of species/classes of beings

• tiryak-yoniṣu: in animal births (non-human wombs)

• mūrtiṣu: in embodied forms

• yad-āhārāḥ: having whatever food/diet (as appropriate)

• bhavanti: become/are

• ete: these (beings)

• tāsu tāsu: in each of those (respective)

• iha: here (in this world/realm of birth)

• yoniṣu: wombs/birth-categories

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Yoni-bheda
• Karma
• Embodiment
• Diet
• Tiryak

FAQs

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

Directly, it is not about Pralaya; it explains how embodied beings in various animal births manifest distinct food-habits according to their particular yoni, reflecting the ordered diversity of creation.

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

It supports ethical discernment: a householder and king should regulate food and conduct, recognizing that habits—including diet—shape disposition and destiny; governance and personal discipline should therefore encourage sāttvika, non-harmful living rather than animal-like compulsions.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is the broader Purāṇic principle that āhāra (diet) is a formative factor for purity and practice, so offerings and personal intake should be chosen in harmony with one’s dharma.