Shloka 5

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

Devanagari script

देवगन्धर्वयक्षौघैर् अनुयातः सहस्रशः दीप्तिमद्भिः सदस्यैश्च ब्रह्मर्षिभिरभिष्टुतः //

Transliteration

devagandharvayakṣaughair anuyātaḥ sahasraśaḥ dīptimadbhiḥ sadasyaiśca brahmarṣibhirabhiṣṭutaḥ //

Translation

He was followed in thousands by hosts of Devas, Gandharvas, and Yakṣas; attended by radiant members of the assembly, and extolled by the Brahmarṣis.

Word by Word

• deva: god, celestial being

• gandharva: divine minstrel

• yakṣa: nature-spirit/guardian being

• ogha: multitude/host

• anuyātaḥ: accompanied, followed

• sahasraśaḥ: by thousands, in innumerable ways

• dīptimadbhiḥ: by the radiant, luminous ones

• sadasyaiḥ: by the members of the council/assembly

• ca: and

• brahmarṣibhiḥ: by the Brahmarṣis (seers of Brahman, highest sages)

• abhiṣṭutaḥ: praised, eulogized

Speaker

• Sūta (narratorial voice describing the scene; embedded within the Matsya–Manu discourse context)

Entities Mentioned

• Devas
• Gandharvas
• Yakṣas
• Brahmarṣis

Tags

• Pralaya
• Divine Assembly
• Praise of the Lord
• Rishis
• Puranic Cosmology

FAQs

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

It depicts a Pralaya-era divine gathering: celestial beings and Brahmarṣis converge and praise the exalted figure, indicating cosmic order and divine guidance even amid dissolution.

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

By showing the Brahmarṣis praising the worthy, it reinforces the ethical ideal that rulers and householders should seek the approval of sages, uphold dharma, and value counsel from the righteous assembly (sadas).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Direct Vāstu or temple-building rules are not stated; the verse instead highlights ritual-social hierarchy—an auspicious assembly of radiant attendants and sages, a common Purāṇic marker of consecrated, ritually charged space.