Shloka 36

Matsya Purana — The Gods Seek Śiva’s Refuge: The Cosmic Chariot Prepared for the Burning of T...

Devanagari script

प्रतोद ओंकार एवासीत् तदग्रं च वषट्कृतम् सिनीवाली कुहू राका तथा चानुमतिः शुभा योक्त्राण्यासंस्तुरंगाणाम् अपसर्पणविग्रहाः //

Transliteration

pratoda oṃkāra evāsīt tadagraṃ ca vaṣaṭkṛtam sinīvālī kuhū rākā tathā cānumatiḥ śubhā yoktrāṇyāsaṃsturaṃgāṇām apasarpaṇavigrahāḥ //

Translation

The goad was the syllable Oṃ, and its foremost tip was the sacred exclamation ‘vaṣaṭ’. Sinīvālī, Kuhū, Rākā, and the auspicious Anumati became the harness-straps for the horses—embodiments that drive away and repel obstructing forces.

Word by Word

• pratodaḥ: goad, driver’s prod

• oṁkāraḥ: the syllable Oṁ

• eva: indeed

• āsīt: was/became

• tat-agram: its tip/foremost point

• ca: and

• vaṣaṭ-kṛtam: made of/formed as ‘vaṣaṭ’ (the Vedic sacrificial call)

• sinīvālī: Sinīvālī (lunar goddess/phase)

• kuhū: Kuhū (new-moon phase/deity)

• rākā: Rākā (full-moon phase/deity)

• tathā: likewise

• ca: and

• anumatiḥ: Anumati (deity of consent/approval, lunar phase)

• śubhā: auspicious

• yoktrāṇi: yokes/harness-straps

• āsan: became (understood)

• turaṅgāṇām: of the horses

• apasarpaṇa: repelling, driving away (of evil/obstacles)

• vigrahāḥ: forms/embodiments.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in dialogue with Vaivasvata Manu, continuing the instructional discourse of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Omkara (Oṁ)
• Vaṣaṭ (Vedic exclamation)
• Sinīvālī
• Kuhū
• Rākā
• Anumati

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Ritual symbolism
• Mantra
• Consecration
• Apotropaic rites

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; instead, it presents a ritual-symbolic mapping where mantric powers (Oṁ and vaṣaṭ) and lunar deities function as protective forces that repel obstacles—an idea consistent with Purāṇic cosmology where sound and rite sustain order (ṛta) against disorder.

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

It frames correct ritual performance as a duty: a king or householder sponsoring construction, consecration, or sacrifice should employ mantra and auspicious timings (lunar deities/phases) to remove impediments and ensure success—reflecting the Matsya Purana’s emphasis on dharmic patronage and properly executed rites.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse encodes consecration symbolism used in Vastu/temple rites: Oṁ and vaṣaṭ are treated as empowered instruments, while Sinīvālī, Kuhū, Rākā, and Anumati (linked to lunar phases) are invoked as ‘harness’ energies that drive away obstructive influences (apasarpaṇa) during sacred building and installation rituals.