Shloka 65

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

Devanagari script

नन्दीश्वरश्च भगवाञ् छूलमादाय दीप्तिमान् पृष्ठतश्चापि पार्श्वाभ्यां लोकस्य क्षयकृद्यथा //

Transliteration

nandīśvaraśca bhagavāñ chūlamādāya dīptimān pṛṣṭhataścāpi pārśvābhyāṃ lokasya kṣayakṛdyathā //

Translation

And Nandīśvara, the revered lord, radiant as he bore a trident, stood behind and on both flanks—like a power that brings about the destruction of the worlds at the time of dissolution (pralaya).

Word by Word

• नन्दीश्वरः: Nandīśvara (Śiva’s attendant-lord, often identified with Nandin)

• च: and

• भगवाञ्: the revered lord/divine one

• छूलम् (शूलम्): trident

• आदाय: having taken up/bearing

• दीप्तिमान्: blazing, radiant

• पृष्ठतः: from behind/at the rear

• च अपि: and also

• पार्श्वाभ्याम्: on both sides/flanks

• लोकस्य: of the world(s)

• क्षय-कृत्: causing destruction, bringing about dissolution

• यथा: as/like.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (to Vaivasvata Manu) — likely narrative description within Matsya’s discourse

Entities Mentioned

• Nandīśvara (Nandin)
• Śūla (Trident)
• Rudra/Śiva (implied by Nandīśvara and the trident)
• Pralaya (implied)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Rudra-gaṇa
• Iconography
• Cosmic dissolution
• Puranic imagery

FAQs

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

It depicts a Pralaya-like scene where Nandīśvara, armed with the trident and positioned behind and on both sides, symbolizes the all-encompassing force that brings about the world’s dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it underscores impermanence: kings and householders should rule and live with dharma and detachment, remembering that worldly power and stability are ultimately subject to dissolution.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not a Vāstu rule, it is iconographically significant: Nandīśvara/Nandin is portrayed with Śiva’s śūla (trident), a detail relevant to temple imagery and ritual visualization of Śaiva attendants in Puranic tradition.