Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — The Burning of Tripura and Rudra’s Victory

Devanagari script

सागरं तरते दोर्भ्यां पातयेद्यो दिवाकरम् सो ऽपि मां शक्नुयान्नैव चक्षुर्भ्यां समवेक्षितुम् //

Transliteration

sāgaraṃ tarate dorbhyāṃ pātayedyo divākaram so 'pi māṃ śaknuyānnaiva cakṣurbhyāṃ samavekṣitum //

Translation

Even if someone could cross the ocean by the strength of his arms, or could make the Sun fall from the sky, still he would not be able to behold Me fully with his eyes.

Word by Word

• sāgaram: the ocean

• tarate: crosses

• dorbhyām: with (his) two arms/with the strength of arms

• pātayet: could cause to fall

• yaḥ: who

• divākaram: the Sun (maker of day)

• saḥ api: even he

• mām: Me (the Lord)

• śaknuyāt: would be able

• na eva: not at all

• cakṣurbhyām: with (his) eyes

• sam-avekṣitum: to see completely/to behold in full.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu), speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual theological instruction)

Entities Mentioned

• Divākara (Sun)

Tags

• Stuti
• Vishnu
• Matsya
• Dharma
• Divinity

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it stresses the Lord’s transcendence beyond measurable phenomena like the ocean and the Sun—implying that even cosmic events associated with Pralaya remain within His power, while His true nature exceeds ordinary perception.

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

It redirects ambition from mere feats of power toward humility and devotion: a ruler or householder should recognize limits of human capability and govern/live with dharma, reverence, and reliance on divine guidance rather than pride in strength.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-rule detail appears; ritually, it supports the principle that true “darśana” requires inner purity and devotion, not only physical sight—reinforcing the bhakti-oriented intent behind worship and icon-darśana.