Shloka 8

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

Devanagari script

स्वर्गे शक्रानुयातेषु देवतूर्यनिनादिषु सुन्दर्यः परिनृत्यन्ति शतशो ऽप्सरसां गणाः //

Transliteration

svarge śakrānuyāteṣu devatūryaninādiṣu sundaryaḥ parinṛtyanti śataśo 'psarasāṃ gaṇāḥ //

Translation

In heaven, when Indra is being attended and followed, and the sounds of divine instruments resound, beautiful companies of Apsarases dance in their hundreds.

Word by Word

• स्वर्गे: in heaven

• शक्र-अनुयातेषु: when (he is) attended/followed by Śakra (Indra) / in the retinues following Śakra

• देव-तूर्य-निनादिषु: amid the reverberations of divine musical instruments

• सुन्दर्यः: beautiful women

• परिनृत्यन्ति: dance all around / perform dance

• शतशः: by hundreds

• अप्सरसाम् गणाः: groups/companies of Apsarases

Speaker

• Sūta (narrative voice describing Svarga; dialogue-context within the Purāṇic narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Svarga
• Śakra (Indra)
• Apsarases
• Deva-tūrya (divine instruments)

Tags

• Svarga
• Indra
• Apsaras
• Celestial music
• Puranic cosmology

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it depicts Svarga’s celebratory atmosphere—Indra’s retinue, divine music, and Apsarases dancing—highlighting the Purāṇic vision of heavenly enjoyment rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the Purāṇic idea that merit (puṇya) and righteous conduct can lead to heavenly attainments; it functions as a motivational backdrop for dharma rather than giving specific royal or household injunctions.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated here; the ritual-aesthetic element is the ‘deva-tūrya’ (divine instrumental music) accompanying celestial worship and celebration in Indra’s heaven.