Shloka 36

Matsya Purana — The Array of the Gods: Description of the Vaiṣṇava Host and the Lokapālas

Devanagari script

सर्वयोनिः स मधुहा हव्यभुक्क्रतुसंस्थितः भूम्यापोव्योमभूतात्मा श्यामः शान्तिकरो ऽरिहा //

Transliteration

sarvayoniḥ sa madhuhā havyabhukkratusaṃsthitaḥ bhūmyāpovyomabhūtātmā śyāmaḥ śāntikaro 'rihā //

Translation

He is the source-womb of all beings; the slayer of Madhu; the eater of the oblation, abiding in the sacrifice. He is the very Self of earth, waters, and sky; dark-hued, the giver of peace, and the destroyer of foes.

Word by Word

• सर्वयोनिः: source of all births/causes of all beings

• स: He

• मधुहा: slayer of (the demon) Madhu

• हव्यभुक्: eater/receiver of sacrificial oblations

• क्रतुसंस्थितः: established in/abiding in sacrifice (kratu)

• भूम्यापोव्योमभूतात्मा: whose essence/self is the elements—earth (bhūmi), waters (āpaḥ), and sky/space (vyoma)

• श्यामः: dark-complexioned

• शान्तिकरः: maker of peace, bestower of tranquility

• अरिहा: slayer of enemies/foe-destroyer.

Speaker

• Suta (narratorial recitation of a Vishnu-name hymn within the Matsya Purana’s discourse tradition)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu
• Madhu (asura)
• Yajna (sacrifice)

Tags

• Vishnu Stuti
• Sahasranama
• Yajna
• Cosmic Elements
• Protection

FAQs

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

By calling the Lord the very Self of earth, waters, and sky, the verse presents him as the underlying reality of the elements that manifest in creation and are reabsorbed in pralaya.

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

The epithets “peace-maker” and “foe-destroyer” frame ideal governance and household life: uphold sacrifice/ritual order (kratu), protect society from harm, and cultivate shanti through dharmic conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it emphasizes Vishnu as the recipient of offerings (havyabhuk) and as present in the sacrifice (kratu-saṃsthita), supporting Matsya Purana-style guidance on correct yajna performance and consecratory rites.