Shloka 6

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

Devanagari script

जग्मुर्जगद्गुरुं द्रष्टुं शरणं कमलोद्भवम् निवेदितास्ते शक्राद्याः शिरोभिर्धरणिं गताः तुष्टुवुः स्पष्टवर्णार्थैर् वचोभिः कमलासनम् //

Transliteration

jagmurjagadguruṃ draṣṭuṃ śaraṇaṃ kamalodbhavam niveditāste śakrādyāḥ śirobhirdharaṇiṃ gatāḥ tuṣṭuvuḥ spaṣṭavarṇārthair vacobhiḥ kamalāsanam //

Translation

They went forth to behold the Guru of the world—Brahmā, the Lotus-born refuge. Having made their petition known, Indra and the other gods bowed with their heads to the earth and praised the Lotus-seated One with words of clear and well-expressed meaning.

Word by Word

• जग्मुः: they went

• जगद्गुरुम्: the guru/preceptor of the world

• द्रष्टुम्: to see, to behold

• शरणम्: refuge, shelter

• कमलोद्भवम्: the Lotus-born (Brahmā)

• निवेदिताः: having submitted/made known (their request)

• ते: those

• शक्राद्याः: Indra and the others (gods)

• शिरोभिः: with (their) heads

• धरणीम्: the earth/ground

• गताः: having gone (down), having prostrated

• तुष्टुवुः: they praised

• स्पष्टवर्णार्थैः: with clearly expressed meanings/phrases

• वचोभिः: with words, utterances

• कमलासनम्: the Lotus-seated one (Brahmā).

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing the Devas’ action; praise is offered by Indra and the Devas to Brahmā)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahma
• Indra (Shakra)
• Devas

Tags

• Deva supplication
• Brahma-stuti
• Refuge (Sharana)
• Cosmology
• Puranic devotion

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it shows the gods seeking refuge in Brahmā, a typical prelude in Purāṇic cosmology when divine order is threatened and guidance from the creator is sought.

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

It models dhārmic conduct: when in difficulty, one approaches a worthy authority, submits one’s case respectfully, and speaks with clarity—principles applicable to royal counsel, dispute resolution, and disciplined household decision-making.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights key elements of formal supplication—śaraṇa (seeking refuge), namaskāra/prostration, and stuti with clear meaning—foundational to temple liturgy and pūjā protocols, though no specific Vāstu rule is stated.