Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — The Advent of Narasiṃha and Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Weapon-Assault

Devanagari script

कालमुद्गरमक्षोभ्यं तपनं च महाबलम् संवर्तनं मोहनं च तथा मायाधरं परम् //

Transliteration

kālamudgaramakṣobhyaṃ tapanaṃ ca mahābalam saṃvartanaṃ mohanaṃ ca tathā māyādharaṃ param //

Translation

“(He is) Kālamudgara, the Unshakable (Akṣobhya), Tapana, the Greatly Mighty (Mahābala), Saṃvartana, Mohana, and the supreme Māyādhara (Bearer of divine illusion).”

Word by Word

• kāla-mudgaraḥ: ‘Time-as-a-hammer/mace’, the power that crushes all

• akṣobhyam: unagitated, unmoved, invincible

• tapanam: the burner, the scorching radiance (sun-like power)

• mahābalam: of great strength, immensely powerful

• saṃvartanam: the dissolver/withdrawer at cosmic reabsorption (saṃvarta)

• mohanam: the enchanter/deluder who bewilders beings

• tathā: and also

• māyādharam: the bearer/support of māyā (divine power of manifestation/illusion)

• param: supreme, transcendent

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (context: descriptive/theological instruction)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu (Hari)
• Matsya
• Māyā
• Saṃvarta (cosmic dissolution)

Tags

• Iconography
• Vishnu
• Divine Epithets
• Pralaya
• Theology

FAQs

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

By naming Saṃvartana and Kālamudgara (“Time that crushes all”), the verse frames Vishnu as the power behind cosmic reabsorption—Time and dissolution are not separate forces but expressions of the divine.

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

It indirectly teaches discipline and humility: rulers and householders should remember that power is transient under Kāla (Time), avoid delusion (Mohana), and align conduct with steadfastness (Akṣobhya) and righteous strength (Mahābala).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not giving a direct Vastu rule, the verse functions as a ritual/theological name-list used in worship—useful for mantra-recitation, temple liturgy, and iconography contexts where Vishnu’s powers are invoked by epithets.