Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — The Burning of Tripura: Maya’s Triple Fortresses and the Boon that Leads to S...

Devanagari script

शरणं नैव जानीमः शर्म वा शरणार्थिनः सो ऽहं तपःप्रभावेन तव भक्त्या तथैव च //

Transliteration

śaraṇaṃ naiva jānīmaḥ śarma vā śaraṇārthinaḥ so 'haṃ tapaḥprabhāvena tava bhaktyā tathaiva ca //

Translation

We who seek refuge know no shelter—nor even peace—other than you. It is I who, by the potency of austerity (tapas) and likewise by devotion to you (bhakti), have come, taking you as my sole refuge.

Word by Word

• śaraṇam: refuge, shelter

• na eva: not at all

• jānīmaḥ: we know (1st pl.)

• śarma: peace, comfort, protection

• vā: or

• śaraṇa-arthinaḥ: those desiring refuge, suppliants

• saḥ aham: that (one) am I, I indeed

• tapaḥ-prabhāvena: by the power/effect of austerities

• tava: your

• bhaktyā: by devotion

• tathā eva ca: and in the same way/likewise also

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (as the supplicant addressing Lord Matsya/Vishnu)

Entities Mentioned

• Manu
• Vishnu
• Matsya

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya Avatara
• Bhakti
• Tapas
• Śaraṇāgati

FAQs

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

It frames the Pralaya context as a crisis where no worldly protection remains; the only true refuge is the divine (Matsya/Vishnu), approached through surrender, tapas, and bhakti.

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

It models ideal leadership humility: even a ruler (Manu) acknowledges limits of power and seeks dharmic protection through devotion and disciplined austerity, implying that governance should be grounded in spiritual restraint and reliance on dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is the emphasis on śaraṇāgati supported by tapas (austerity) and bhakti (devotion) as efficacious religious means.