Shloka 61

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

Devanagari script

एको ऽप्यनेकतामाप यस्मादुदरगो ऽप्यलम् अवध्या नूनमेते वै तस्माद्देवा भवन्त्विति //

Transliteration

eko 'pyanekatāmāpa yasmādudarago 'pyalam avadhyā nūnamete vai tasmāddevā bhavantviti //

Translation

Since even a single serpent can assume many forms at will, these beings are surely not to be slain. Therefore, let them indeed become gods.

Word by Word

• ekaḥ: one (single being)

• api: even/though

• anekatām: manifoldness/many forms

• āpa: attained/assumed

• yasmāt: because/since

• udaragaḥ: serpent (lit. ‘moving on the belly’)

• api: even

• alam: sufficiently/indeed

• avadhyāḥ: not to be killed, inviolable

• nūnam: surely/indeed

• ete: these

• vai: indeed

• tasmāt: therefore

• devāḥ: gods/divine beings

• bhavantu: let (them) become

• iti: thus.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within the Matsya–Manu dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Udaraga (serpent)
• Devas (gods)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsyavatara
• Protection
• Divine status
• Non-violence

FAQs

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

It reflects a Pralaya-era atmosphere of extraordinary beings and divine interventions—where survival and protection, not destruction, become the priority, and certain beings are declared inviolable.

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

It supports a dharmic restraint: rulers and householders should avoid rash violence against beings whose nature is mysterious or divinely protected, and should act with discrimination (viveka) and compassion.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-building rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is the principle of declaring certain beings ‘avadhya’ (not to be harmed), aligning with protective vows and non-violent observances in Purāṇic practice.