Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — The Birth of Tāraka: Varāṅgī’s Lament

Devanagari script

*ब्रह्मोवाच अलं ते तपसा वत्स मा क्लेशे दुस्तरे विश पुत्रस्ते तारको नाम भविष्यति महाबलः //

Transliteration

*brahmovāca alaṃ te tapasā vatsa mā kleśe dustare viśa putraste tārako nāma bhaviṣyati mahābalaḥ //

Translation

Brahmā said: “Enough, dear child, with this austerity—do not torment yourself with a hardship so difficult to endure. A son of yours will be born, named Tāraka, and he will be exceedingly mighty.”

Word by Word

• brahmā uvāca: Brahmā said

• alam: enough/sufficient

• te: by you/for you

• tapasā: with austerity/penance

• vatsa: dear child

• mā: do not

• kleśe: in torment/suffering

• dustare: hard to cross/endure

• viśa: O Viśa (vocative, addressed person)

• putraḥ te: your son

• tārakaḥ nāma: named Tāraka

• bhaviṣyati: will be

• mahā-balaḥ: of great strength/mighty

Speaker

• Brahmā

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmā
• Tāraka

Tags

• Tapas
• Boon
• Birth-Prophecy
• Asura-Myth
• Genealogy

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on tapas (austerity) leading to a divine assurance of progeny—an episode within mythic genealogy rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it presents a Dharmic theme: intense discipline (tapas) can yield results, but needless self-torment is discouraged—suggesting balance and purpose in vows and duties rather than destructive extremes.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu/temple-building rule is stated here; the ritual implication is the broader idea that austerities and vows (tapas) are potent, yet should be undertaken with discernment and within bearable limits.