Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — Tārakāsura’s Austerity and Boon; Mobilization for War; Bṛhaspati’s Fourfold P...

Devanagari script

अवध्यः सर्वभूतानाम् अस्त्राणां च महौजसाम् स्यामहं परमो ह्येष वरो मम हृदि स्थितः //

Transliteration

avadhyaḥ sarvabhūtānām astrāṇāṃ ca mahaujasām syāmahaṃ paramo hyeṣa varo mama hṛdi sthitaḥ //

Translation

“May I be invulnerable to all beings, and even to mighty, blazing weapons. Indeed, this is the highest boon—one that abides firmly in my heart.”

Word by Word

• avadhyaḥ: not to be slain, invulnerable

• sarva-bhūtānām: of all beings

• astrāṇām: of weapons/missiles

• ca: and

• mahā-ojasām: of great power/fiery potency

• syām: may I be

• aham: I

• paramaḥ: supreme, highest

• hi: indeed

• eṣaḥ: this

• varaḥ: boon

• mama: my

• hṛdi: in the heart

• sthitaḥ: situated, abiding

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (petitioning in the Matsya–Manu dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Astra (divine weapons)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Boons
• Protection
• Dharma
• Matsya-Avatara

FAQs

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

It reflects the Pralaya-context anxiety for survival: Manu seeks a boon of invulnerability against beings and powerful weapons, indicating a world where extraordinary threats are expected during cosmic upheaval.

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

It frames protection as a prerequisite for dharma: a ruler (or responsible householder) seeks steadfast security not for aggression, but to remain capable of safeguarding life and maintaining righteous order amid crisis.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-building rule is stated; the verse is a boon-request formula emphasizing ritual intent (saṅkalpa) and inner resolve (“in my heart”), which parallels how vows are framed in Purāṇic rites.