Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — The Sun-Vow

Devanagari script

कालात्मा सर्वभूतात्मा वेदात्मा विश्वतोमुखः यस्मादग्नीन्द्ररूपस्त्वम् अतः पाहि दिवाकर //

Transliteration

kālātmā sarvabhūtātmā vedātmā viśvatomukhaḥ yasmādagnīndrarūpastvam ataḥ pāhi divākara //

Translation

You are the very Self of Time, the indwelling Self of all beings, the very essence of the Vedas, and the One whose face is everywhere. Since you manifest as Agni and as Indra, therefore protect (us), O Divākara (Sun).

Word by Word

• kāla-ātmā: the Self/essence of Time

• sarva-bhūta-ātmā: the inner Self of all beings

• veda-ātmā: the essence of the Vedas (Vedic principle embodied)

• viśvataḥ-mukhaḥ: having faces everywhere, all-facing/omnipresent

• yasmāt: because/since

• agni-indra-rūpaḥ: of the form of Agni and Indra

• tvam: you

• ataḥ: therefore

• pāhi: protect

• divākara: O Sun, maker of day

Speaker

• A devotee/reciter within a Sūrya-stotra (hymnic voice in the Purāṇic narration; traditionally transmitted by Sūta)

Entities Mentioned

• Divākara (Sūrya)
• Kāla (Time)
• Agni
• Indra
• Veda

Tags

• Surya Stotra
• Cosmic Form
• Vedic Theology
• Protection Prayer
• Dharma-Upasana

FAQs

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

By calling Sūrya the “Self of Time” and “Self of all beings,” the verse implies that cosmic processes—including dissolution (pralaya) governed by time—operate through the solar principle as a universal regulator.

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

It frames daily dharma as rooted in reverence to Sūrya: the householder and king depend on time (kāla) for rites, governance, seasons, and order; thus they seek the Sun’s protection to sustain righteous routine, prosperity, and stability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it supports Sūrya-upāsanā (solar worship) as a protective practice—commonly linked with sunrise observances, arghya, and time-keeping for ceremonies—though no direct Vāstu/temple-measurement rule is stated in this specific verse.