Shloka 27

Matsya Purana — The Episode of Madhu and Kaiṭabha: Gunas

Devanagari script

*श्रीभगवानुवाच किमर्थं हि द्रुतं ब्रूतं वरं ह्यसुरसत्तमौ दत्तायुष्कौ पुनर्भूयो रहो जीवितुम् इच्छथः //

Transliteration

*śrībhagavānuvāca kimarthaṃ hi drutaṃ brūtaṃ varaṃ hyasurasattamau dattāyuṣkau punarbhūyo raho jīvitum icchathaḥ //

Translation

The Blessed Lord said: “Why did you speak out that boon in such haste, O best of Asuras? Though life has been granted to you, you now wish once again to live on in secrecy.”

Word by Word

• śrī-bhagavān uvāca: the Blessed Lord said

• kimartham: for what reason/why

• hi: indeed

• drutam: hastily/quickly

• brūtam: you spoke/uttered

• varam: a boon

• hi: indeed

• asura-sattamau: O two best among Asuras (dual address)

• datta-āyuṣkau: (you two) whose lifespan has been granted/whose life has been given back

• punar-bhūyaḥ: once again

• rahaḥ: in secret/privately

• jīvitum: to live

• icchathaḥ: you two desire (2nd person dual).

Speaker

• Śrī Bhagavān (Lord Vishnu/Matsya in the Purāṇic dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Śrī Bhagavān
• Asuras

Tags

• Boons
• Asura narratives
• Divine counsel
• Dharma
• Consequences of desire

FAQs

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

This verse does not directly discuss pralaya; it focuses on moral causality—how rash speech and desire shape one’s fate even after divine intervention (life being restored).

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

It cautions against impulsive decision-making and poorly considered requests—an ethical guideline relevant to rulers and householders alike: deliberate before asking favors, making vows, or seeking exceptions for personal security.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is specified in this verse; its takeaway is ethical rather than architectural—avoid haste in vows/boons and recognize that secrecy-driven desires invite scrutiny and consequences.