Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — The Episode of Madhu and Kaiṭabha: Gunas

Devanagari script

ततस्तावाहतुर्गत्वा तदा देवं सनातनम् पद्मनाभं हृषीकेशं प्रणिपत्य स्थितावुभौ //

Transliteration

tatastāvāhaturgatvā tadā devaṃ sanātanam padmanābhaṃ hṛṣīkeśaṃ praṇipatya sthitāvubhau //

Translation

Then the two of them went to the eternal God—Padmanābha, Hṛṣīkeśa—and, bowing down in reverence, both stood there (before Him).

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then

• tau/ubhau: the two/both

• gatvā: having gone

• tadā: at that time

• devam: the God

• sanātanam: eternal, primeval

• padmanābham: Padmanābha (Vishnu, ‘lotus-naveled’)

• hṛṣīkeśam: Hṛṣīkeśa (Vishnu, ‘Lord of the senses’)

• praṇipatya: having bowed/prostrated

• sthitau: stood/remaining

• ubhau: both

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator in the Matsya Purana’s frame dialogue; commonly transmitted via Sūta to the sages)

Entities Mentioned

• Padmanabha
• Hrishikesha
• Vishnu

Tags

• Vishnu
• Bhakti
• Darshana
• Stotra
• Temple-ritual

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya or cosmology directly; it emphasizes devotional approach—going to the eternal Lord and offering prostration.

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

It models dharmic conduct: approaching the deity with humility (praṇipāta). For kings and householders, reverence to Vishnu and disciplined devotion are presented as foundational ethical posture.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights praṇipāta (prostration) and standing in attendance before the deity—core actions in temple darśana and pūjā sequences, though no specific Vāstu rule is stated.