Shloka 54

Matsya Purana — The Madana-Dvādaśī Vow and the Birth of the Maruts

Devanagari script

निद्राभरसमाक्रान्ता दिवापरशिराः क्वचित् ततस्तदन्तरं लब्ध्वा प्रविष्टस्तु शचीपतिः //

Transliteration

nidrābharasamākrāntā divāparaśirāḥ kvacit tatastadantaraṃ labdhvā praviṣṭastu śacīpatiḥ //

Translation

Overcome by the heaviness of sleep, and at times resting her head even in the daytime, she grew inattentive; then Śacī’s lord (Indra), finding that interval of opportunity, entered.

Word by Word

• निद्राभर-समाक्रान्ता: overwhelmed by the weight of sleep

• दिवा: in the daytime

• अपर-शिराः: with her head laid down/turned aside (resting)

• क्वचित्: at some time/occasionally

• ततः: then

• तद्-अन्तरम्: that interval/opening (opportunity)

• लब्ध्वा: having obtained/finding

• प्रविष्टः: entered

• तु: indeed/then

• शचीपतिः: the lord of Śacī (Indra)

Speaker

• Suta/Narrator (within the Matsya Purana’s narrative voice)

Entities Mentioned

• Indra (Śacīpati)
• Śacī

Tags

• Pralaya
• PuranicNarrative
• Indra
• Temptation
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse itself does not describe Pralaya; it is a narrative moment emphasizing opportunity and human (or divine) misconduct, which the Purana often uses as moral contrast alongside larger cosmic teachings.

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

It underscores the importance of alertness, self-restraint, and guarding against impropriety—virtues expected of householders and especially rulers, who must avoid acting from opportunism or desire.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is specified in this verse; its significance is primarily ethical and narrative rather than architectural.