Shloka 37

Matsya Purana — The Pushkara Manifestation

Devanagari script

नक्तसंध्याभ्रसंकाशाः प्रादहंस्तिग्मतेजसः ते रुदन्तो द्रवन्तश्च गर्हयन्तः पितामहम् //

Transliteration

naktasaṃdhyābhrasaṃkāśāḥ prādahaṃstigmatejasaḥ te rudanto dravantaśca garhayantaḥ pitāmaham //

Translation

Resembling clouds at the darkening twilight, blazing with sharp radiance, they set things ablaze; and, weeping and fleeing, they reviled Pitāmaha (Brahmā).

Word by Word

• नक्त-संध्या-भ्र-संकाशाः: resembling the clouds of night-twilight

• प्रादहंस्: they burned up/they set ablaze

• तिग्म-तेजसः: of piercing, fiery brilliance

• ते: they

• रुदन्तः: weeping/crying

• द्रवन्तः च: and running/fleeing

• गर्हयन्तः: censuring/reviling

• पितामहम्: the Grandfather, Brahmā

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual narration of pralaya-omens)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahma (Pitamaha)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Omens
• Cosmic Dissolution
• Puranic Cosmology
• Fearful Portents

FAQs

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

It depicts terrifying pralaya-portents: blazing, cloud-like apparitions that burn things and drive beings into panic, even provoking blame against Brahmā—signaling breakdown of cosmic order.

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

Indirectly, it warns that in times of overwhelming calamity people lose restraint and turn to fear and blame; the ethical takeaway is steadiness, refuge in dharma, and disciplined conduct rather than panic-driven accusation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-rule is stated; the verse functions as a cosmological omen-description, useful ritually as a warning motif about inauspicious times rather than a construction prescription.