Shloka 9

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

Devanagari script

केतुना नागराजेन राजमानो यथा रविः युक्तो हयसहस्रेण मनोमारुतरंहसा //

Transliteration

ketunā nāgarājena rājamāno yathā raviḥ yukto hayasahasreṇa manomārutaraṃhasā //

Translation

Shining with the serpent-king Ketu like the Sun himself, he was harnessed to a thousand horses, swift as the mind and the wind in his course.

Word by Word

• केतुना: with Ketu (as a banner/ensign

• नागराजेन: with the king of nāgas (serpents)

• राजमानः: shining, resplendent

• यथा: like

• रविः: the Sun

• युक्तः: yoked/harnessed

• हय-सहस्रेण: with a thousand horses

• मनः: mind

• मारुत: wind

• रंहसा: with speed, swiftly

Speaker

• Suta/primary narrator (Purāṇic narrative voice) describing a royal/divine figure

Entities Mentioned

• Ketu
• Nāgarāja (serpent-king)
• Ravi (Sun)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Iconography
• Royal Panegyric
• Mythic Imagery
• Speed and Splendour

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya directly; it uses cosmic imagery (Sun-like brilliance and wind-like speed) to magnify a figure’s power in a genealogical/heroic narrative.

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

Indirectly, it presents the ideal of royal tejas (splendour) and capability—suggesting that a king’s legitimacy is expressed through radiant authority and decisive, swift action.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual rule appears here; however, the Sun-like radiance and banner/ensign motif is often used in temple and royal iconography to signify sovereignty and auspicious power.