Matsya Purana — The Strategy to Defeat Tāraka: Pārvatī’s Birth, Shloka 144

Devanagari script

ज्ञात्वा तदिङ्गितं शैलो महिष्या हृदयेन तु अनुद्गीर्णो ऽक्षतिर्मेने रम्यमेतदुपस्थितम् //

Transliteration

jñātvā tadiṅgitaṃ śailo mahiṣyā hṛdayena tu anudgīrṇo 'kṣatirmene ramyametadupasthitam //

Translation

Understanding her unspoken intention from the queen’s heart, Śaila—without uttering a word—considered it a favorable, harmless sign, and felt that something delightful had presented itself.

Word by Word

• ज्ञात्वा: having understood/knowing

• तत्-इङ्गितम्: that intention/inner signal/gesture

• शैलः: Śaila (a person named Śaila)

• महिष्याः: of the queen/chief consort

• हृदयेन: by (reading) the heart/inwardly

• तु: indeed

• अनुद्गीर्णः: not spoken/unsaid

• अक्षतिः: non-injury/harmlessness/good fortune

• मेने: he thought/considered

• रम्यम्: delightful/pleasing

• एतत्: this

• उपस्थितम्: having arrived/presented itself.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrative voice recounting the episode)

Entities Mentioned

• Śaila
• Mahīṣī (queen)

Tags

• Narrative
• Omens
• Iṅgita-jñāna
• Courtly ethics
• Mind-reading/intent

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on interpreting an unspoken intention as an auspicious, harmless sign within a human narrative setting.

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

It highlights discernment and restraint—understanding others’ intentions without rash speech—an ethical skill valued in governance and household life for maintaining harmony and avoiding harm.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure is mentioned; the key takeaway is the concept of auspiciousness (akṣati) arising from correct interpretation of signs and intentions.