Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — The Greatness and Procedure of the Aṅgāra

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तस्तदा शान्तिम् अगमत् कामरूपधृक् संजातस्तत्क्षणाद्राजन् ग्रहत्वम् अगमत्पुनः //

Transliteration

evamuktastadā śāntim agamat kāmarūpadhṛk saṃjātastatkṣaṇādrājan grahatvam agamatpunaḥ //

Translation

Thus addressed, the shape-shifting being at once became calm; and, O King, in that very moment—having manifested—he again assumed the state of a graha (a seizing and afflicting spirit).

Word by Word

• evam: thus

• uktas: having been spoken to/addressed

• tadā: then

• śāntim: calm, pacification, peace

• agamat: went/attained

• kāma-rūpa-dhṛk: one who assumes forms at will, a shape-shifter

• saṃjātaḥ: arisen, manifested, come into being

• tat-kṣaṇāt: at that very instant

• rājan: O King

• grahatvam: the condition/state of being a graha (seizer/afflicter)

• agamat: entered/assumed

• punaḥ: again.

Speaker

• Primary narrator (Sūta-style Purāṇic narration) addressing a King (rājan); likely within a dialogue frame where Matsya Purana teachings are relayed to royal interlocutors

Entities Mentioned

• Graha (afflicting spirit/seizer)
• Kāmarūpadhṛk (shape-shifting being)
• Rājan (the King)

Tags

• Grahapīḍā
• Śānti
• Ritual-pacification
• Purāṇic narrative
• Kingship-context

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it focuses on a localized affliction (graha) and its pacification—showing how disorder can be ritually and verbally calmed rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

By addressing the afflicting force and restoring śānti, the verse implies a king’s duty to secure public welfare—removing fears, portents, and unseen harms through proper counsel, rites, and disciplined response.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The key ritual idea is śānti (pacification) for graha-pīḍā: the verse supports the Matsya Purana’s broader use of appeasement rites to neutralize harmful influences, though no specific Vāstu/temple rule is stated in this line.