Shloka 5

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

Devanagari script

अव्यक्तप्रभवं दिव्यं किमिदं रूपमागतम् दैत्यान्तकरणं घोरं संशतीव मनो मम //

Transliteration

avyaktaprabhavaṃ divyaṃ kimidaṃ rūpamāgatam daityāntakaraṇaṃ ghoraṃ saṃśatīva mano mama //

Translation

“Born of the Unmanifest, truly divine—what is this form that has come forth? Terrible, a destroyer of the Daityas—my mind seems to tremble with anxious doubt.”

Word by Word

• avyakta-prabhavam: arising from the Unmanifest

• divyam: divine, celestial

• kim: what?

• idam: this

• rūpam: form

• āgatam: has arrived/manifested

• daitya-anta-karaṇam: bringer of the end (destroyer) of the Daityas

• ghoram: dreadful, awe-inspiring/terrible

• saṃśatīva: as if doubting/uncertain, wavering

• manaḥ: mind

• mama: my

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (addressing/reflecting upon Lord Matsya’s manifestation)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Daityas
• Avyakta (the Unmanifest)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya Avatara
• Divine Epiphany
• Daitya-nigraha
• Vishnu

FAQs

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

It frames the divine manifestation as arising from the “Unmanifest” (avyakta), a key pralaya idea: forms re-emerge from an unmanifest source, and the avatar appears as a cosmic corrective power amid crisis.

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

Manu’s reaction models discernment and reverent inquiry: when confronted by overwhelming power, a ruler should seek clarity about dharma and protection, rather than act rashly—an ethical posture emphasized throughout Purana-guidance to kings and householders.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-rule detail appears in this verse; its ritual takeaway is the recognition of a divya-rūpa (divine form) and the proper devotional response—wonder, humility, and inquiry—before proceeding with rites or decisions.