Shloka 9

Matsya Purana — The Greatness and Procedure of the Aṅgāra

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मन्किमर्थमेतत्ते हास्यमाकस्मिकं कृतम् साधुसाध्विति मामेवम् उक्तवांस्त्वं वदस्व मे //

Transliteration

brahmankimarthametatte hāsyamākasmikaṃ kṛtam sādhusādhviti māmevam uktavāṃstvaṃ vadasva me //

Translation

O Brahman, for what reason did you suddenly laugh like this? You said to me, “Well done, well done”—tell me why you spoke so.

Word by Word

• brahman: O Brahman/O venerable sage

• kim: what?

• artham: purpose/reason

• etat: this

• te: by you/your

• hāsyam: laughter

• ākasmikam: sudden/unexpected

• kṛtam: done/made

• sādhu sādhu iti: 'well done, well done'

• mām: to me

• evam: thus/in this manner

• uktavān: having said

• tvam: you

• vadasva: tell/say (to me)

• me: to me/for me

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (addressing a Brahman/sage figure within the dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahman (addressed)
• Vaivasvata Manu (implied speaker)

Tags

• Dialogue
• Inquiry
• Praise
• Manu
• Narrative

FAQs

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

This verse itself does not describe pralaya; it functions as a narrative prompt where Manu seeks the reason behind an unexpected laugh and praise, likely introducing an explanation in the following verses.

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

It models a key dharmic habit: a ruler (Manu) asks respectfully for clarification rather than acting on assumptions, showing deliberation and humility in decision-making.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; it is a conversational hinge that may precede technical instruction elsewhere in the chapter.