Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — The Kauśika Descendants: Śrāddha

Devanagari script

एवं सा भक्षिता धेनुः सप्तभिस्तैस्तपोधनैः वैदिकं बलमाश्रित्य क्रूरे कर्मणि निर्भयाः //

Transliteration

evaṃ sā bhakṣitā dhenuḥ saptabhistaistapodhanaiḥ vaidikaṃ balamāśritya krūre karmaṇi nirbhayāḥ //

Translation

Thus that cow was eaten by those seven ascetic sages, rich in austerity (tapodhana); relying upon the power of the Veda, they were fearless even in that cruel deed.

Word by Word

• एवम् (evaṃ): thus

• सा (sā): she/that (cow)

• भक्षिता (bhakṣitā): eaten/consumed

• धेनुः (dhenuḥ): the milch-cow

• सप्तभिः (saptabhiḥ): by seven

• तैः (taiḥ): by those

• तपोधनैः (tapodhanaiḥ): by sages rich in austerity (ascetics)

• वैदिकम् (vaidikam): Vedic

• बलम् (balam): power/strength

• आश्रित्य (āśritya): having relied upon/taking refuge in

• क्रूरे (krūre): cruel/harsh

• कर्मणि (karmaṇi): in the act/deed

• निर्भयाः (nirbhayāḥ): fearless/without fear

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) recounting the episode within the Matsya Purana’s narrative frame

Entities Mentioned

• Tapodhanas (seven ascetic sages)
• Dhenu (the cow)
• Veda (Vaidika bala)

Tags

• Dharma
• Vedic power
• Tapas
• Ethics
• Narrative episode

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights how characters in the Purana claim fearlessness by relying on “Vedic power,” showing the text’s emphasis on ritual-austerity potency rather than cosmic dissolution here.

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

By portraying even ascetics as capable of “cruel deeds” when driven by circumstance and justified by ritual power, the verse implicitly warns kings/householders that dharma is not merely authority or power-based—actions (especially harm) must be weighed ethically, not excused solely through status or ritual competence.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architectural (Vāstu) significance is not present; the ritual takeaway is the phrase “vaidikaṃ balam”—the Purana underscores confidence placed in Vedic mantras/rites as a form of spiritual force influencing conduct and perceived immunity from fear.