Shloka 179

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

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मविष्ण्विन्द्रमुनयो जन्ममृत्युजरार्दिताः तस्यैते परमेशस्य सर्वे क्रीडनका गिरे //

Transliteration

brahmaviṣṇvindramunayo janmamṛtyujarārditāḥ tasyaite parameśasya sarve krīḍanakā gire //

Translation

Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Indra, and even the sages—afflicted by birth, death, and old age—are all but playthings, O mountain, of that Supreme Lord.

Word by Word

• ब्रह्म (brahma): Brahmā

• विष्णु (viṣṇu): Viṣṇu

• इन्द्र (indra): Indra

• मुनयः (munayaḥ): sages

• जन्म (janma): birth

• मृत्यु (mṛtyu): death

• जरा (jarā): old age/decay

• अर्दिताः (arditāḥ): afflicted/tormented

• तस्य (tasya): of Him/of that (Lord)

• एते (ete): these

• परमेशस्य (parameśasya): of the Supreme Lord

• सर्वे (sarve): all

• क्रीडनकाः (krīḍanakāḥ): toys/playthings

• गिरे (gire): O mountain (vocative)

Speaker

• Suta (narratorial voice within the Purana; devotional-theological statement)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahma
• Vishnu
• Indra
• Munis
• Parameshvara

Tags

• Theology
• Bhakti
• Mortality
• Supreme Lord
• Detachment

FAQs

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

It implies the Lord’s absolute sovereignty over cosmic authorities (Brahmā, Indra, etc.), suggesting that even during creation and dissolution they remain subordinate to Him and to the cycle of time-bound existence.

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

It promotes humility and detachment: rulers and householders should perform dharma without ego, remembering that even the highest offices are impermanent and ultimately governed by the Supreme.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is theological—rituals and temple acts are meaningful when grounded in devotion and awareness of the Supreme Lord’s transcendence.