Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — The Pushkara Manifestation

Devanagari script

ततः सो ऽथाब्रवीद्वाक्यं किं करोमि पितामह पितामहसमाज्ञातो ब्रह्माणं समुपस्थितः //

Transliteration

tataḥ so 'thābravīdvākyaṃ kiṃ karomi pitāmaha pitāmahasamājñāto brahmāṇaṃ samupasthitaḥ //

Translation

Then he spoke these words: “Grandfather (Pitāmaha), what shall I do?”—and, having been summoned by Pitāmaha’s command, he presented himself before Brahmā.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then

• saḥ: he

• atha: thereafter

• abravīt: said/spoke

• vākyam: a statement/words

• kim: what

• karomi: shall I do/do I do

• pitāmaha: O Grandfather (epithet of Brahmā)

• pitāmaha-samājñātaḥ: summoned/commanded by Pitāmaha

• brahmāṇam: to Brahmā

• samupasthitaḥ: approached/stood near/presented himself

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narration; a character reports speech to Pitāmaha/Brahmā)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitāmaha (Brahmā)
• Brahmā

Tags

• Brahmā
• Command
• Cosmic order
• Instruction
• Purāṇic dialogue

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it shows the administrative chain of authority in cosmic events: when decisive action is needed (often in creation/dissolution narratives), the agent seeks instruction from Pitāmaha (Brahmā), indicating that pralaya-related duties proceed by divine command.

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

It models dharmic conduct: when uncertain about right action, one should ask an elder/authority (“What shall I do?”) and act according to injunction (ājñā). This mirrors a king’s reliance on śāstra and counsel, and a householder’s reliance on guru/elders.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the takeaway is procedural: sacred works (including temple rites or construction) are ideally undertaken after receiving proper authorization and instruction from a qualified authority.