Shloka 49

Matsya Purana — The Attendant Hosts of the Sun and Moon: Monthly Gaṇas

Devanagari script

अपां गर्भसमुत्पन्नो रथः साश्वः ससारथिः सहारैस्तैस्त्रिभिश्चक्रैर् युक्तः शुक्लैर्हयोत्तमैः //

Transliteration

apāṃ garbhasamutpanno rathaḥ sāśvaḥ sasārathiḥ sahāraistaistribhiścakrair yuktaḥ śuklairhayottamaiḥ //

Translation

From the very womb of the waters there emerged a chariot—complete with horses and a charioteer—furnished with its fittings and equipped with three wheels, yoked to excellent white steeds.

Word by Word

• अपाम् (apām): of the waters

• गर्भ-समुत्पन्नः (garbha-samutpannaḥ): arisen/manifested from the womb (inner source)

• रथः (rathaḥ): chariot

• स-अश्वः (sa-aśvaḥ): with horses

• स-सारथिः (sa-sārathiḥ): with a charioteer

• स-हारैः (sa-hāraiḥ): with harness/fittings/gear

• तैः (taiḥ): with those (same)

• त्रिभिः (tribhiḥ): with three

• चक्रैः (cakraiḥ): wheels

• युक्तः (yuktaḥ): yoked/equipped

• शुक्लैः (śuklaiḥ): white

• हय-उत्तमैः (haya-uttamaiḥ): by the best of horses/steeds.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in the Matsya–Manu dialogue, describing providential arrangements during the deluge)

Entities Mentioned

• Ap (Waters)
• Ratha (Divine chariot)
• Sārathi (charioteer)
• Hayas (white steeds)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya-Avatara
• Divine Aid
• Mythic Iconography
• Flood Narrative

FAQs

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

It portrays the deluge world as water-dominated, yet ordered by divine providence: even amid pralaya, necessary supports (a chariot with horses and charioteer) manifest from the waters to sustain and guide the protected beings.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces the Matsya Purana’s ethic of preparedness and reliance on dharma: the king/householder should maintain proper “equipment” (resources, trained helpers, disciplined means of movement and protection) so that in crisis one can safeguard dependents—mirroring Manu’s protected leadership in the flood narrative.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not a Vastu rule, the verse is iconographically significant: it specifies a complete, auspicious vehicle ensemble (white steeds, charioteer, fittings). Such details inform Purāṇic visualization in ritual storytelling, temple reliefs, and manuscript illustration traditions connected with the Matsya–Manu episode.