Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — The Episode of Madhu and Kaiṭabha: Gunas

Devanagari script

कृष्यमाणौ ततस्तस्य बाहुना बाहुशालिनः चेरतुस्तौ विगलितौ शकुनाविव पीवरौ //

Transliteration

kṛṣyamāṇau tatastasya bāhunā bāhuśālinaḥ ceratustau vigalitau śakunāviva pīvarau //

Translation

Then, being dragged by the arm of that strong-armed man, those two moved along, slipping and floundering—like two well-fed birds whose wings have come loose.

Word by Word

• kṛṣyamāṇau: being dragged/pulled along (dual)

• tataḥ: then/thereupon

• tasya: of him/of that man

• bāhunā: by the arm

• bāhuśālinaḥ: of the strong-armed/powerful one

• ceratuḥ: the two moved/went about (dual perfect/aorist sense)

• tau: those two

• vigalitau: loosened, slipped off, dislocated, fallen apart (dual)

• śakunau: two birds (dual)

• iva: like/as if

• pīvarau: fat, well-nourished, stout (dual).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) / Purāṇic narrator (likely reporting the episode in third-person narration)

Tags

• Narrative
• Conflict
• Simile
• Strength
• Katha

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya or cosmology; it depicts a physical struggle where two individuals are dragged by a powerful man, using a vivid bird-simile to convey helpless movement.

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

Indirectly, it highlights raw force and dominance in a narrative setting; ethically, the Matsya Purana’s broader dharma framework would evaluate such exertion of power by whether it is aligned with righteous protection or unjust violence.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is mentioned in this śloka; it is purely narrative and descriptive.