Shloka 45

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

Devanagari script

तं मेरुशिखराकारं त्रैलोक्यरथमुत्तमम् प्रशस्य देवान्साध्विति रथं पश्यति शंकरः //

Transliteration

taṃ meruśikharākāraṃ trailokyarathamuttamam praśasya devānsādhviti rathaṃ paśyati śaṃkaraḥ //

Translation

Seeing that supreme chariot of the three worlds, shaped like the peak of Mount Meru, Śaṅkara (Śiva) praised it and, approvingly, commended the gods—then he beheld the chariot.

Word by Word

• tam: that

• meru-śikhara-ākāram: having the form of Meru’s summit

• trailokya-ratham: the chariot of the three worlds

• uttamam: the best/supreme

• praśasya: praising, extolling

• devān: the gods

• sādhv iti: “well done!”, “excellent!” (an approving exclamation)

• ratham: the chariot

• paśyati: sees, beholds

• śaṅkaraḥ: Śaṅkara (Lord Śiva).

Speaker

• Sūta (purāṇic narrator) describing events; Śaṅkara is the acting figure within the narrative

Entities Mentioned

• Meru
• Trailokya-ratha
• Devas
• Shankara (Shiva)

Tags

• Iconography
• Divine chariot
• Devas
• Meru
• Praise

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it focuses on a celestial chariot’s grandeur (Meru-like form) and Śiva’s approval of the gods, emphasizing cosmic order and divine authority rather than dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it models ideal conduct: recognizing excellence, praising what is righteous, and encouraging worthy allies—qualities expected of a king (discernment and encouragement) and of householders (supporting dharmic action).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The Meru-peak comparison is a key sacred-geometry image: “Meru-like” forms often signal axis-mundi symbolism used in temple superstructure ideals and iconographic proportioning, even though no direct Vāstu procedure is stated in this verse.