Shloka 122

Matsya Purana — The Slaying of Jambha and the Rise of Tāraka: Divine Battle Formations

Devanagari script

कर्तव्यतां नाध्यगच्छत् प्रोवाचेदं जनार्दनम् किमनन्तरमत्रास्ति कर्तव्यस्यावशेषितम् //

Transliteration

kartavyatāṃ nādhyagacchat provācedaṃ janārdanam kimanantaramatrāsti kartavyasyāvaśeṣitam //

Translation

Not having fully understood what ought to be done, he addressed Janārdana: “What, then, remains here to be done next? What part of my duty is still left unfinished?”

Word by Word

• कर्तव्यताम् (kartavyatām): the state/knowledge of what must be done, one’s duty

• न (na): not

• अध्यगच्छत् (adhyagacchat): he understood/attained (comprehended)

• प्रोवाच (provāca): he said, he spoke

• इदम् (idam): this

• जनार्दनम् (janārdanam): to Janārdana (Vishnu)

• किम् (kim): what?

• अनन्तरम् (anantaram): immediately after, next

• अत्र (atra): here, in this matter/context

• अस्ति (asti): is/exists

• कर्तव्यस्य (kartavyasya): of the duty/to-be-done

• अवशेषितम् (avaśeṣitam): remaining, left over, unfinished.

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (inquirer) addressing Lord Janardana (Vishnu/Matsya as teacher)

Entities Mentioned

• Janardana (Vishnu)

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Kartavya
• Dialogue
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not directly describe Pralaya; it shows the instructional frame of the Purana—Manu seeking clarity on the next required action, a pattern also used in Pralaya-related teachings elsewhere.

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

It models dharmic decision-making: even a ruler/householder should ask what remains to be done, emphasizing sequential responsibility—completing obligations fully and seeking guidance on the proper “next step” rather than acting impulsively.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vastu or temple-rule term appears; however, the verse reflects a ritual-procedural mindset—after one act is done, one must verify what component (aṅga/śeṣa) remains, a principle applicable to yajña, vrata, and consecration sequences.