Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — The Tale of Brahmadatta: Past-life Memory

Devanagari script

अहसत्तेन योगात्मा स पिपीलिकरागतः यत्र तत्कीटमिथुनं रममाणमवस्थितम् //

Transliteration

ahasattena yogātmā sa pipīlikarāgataḥ yatra tatkīṭamithunaṃ ramamāṇamavasthitam //

Translation

By the power of yogic subtlety, that yogin entered the state of an ant; and there he saw an insect-pair, stationed together, sporting in mutual delight.

Word by Word

• ahasattena: by (the force of) subtle yogic power / by non-gross (subtle) existence

• yogātmā: one whose nature is yoga, a yogin

• sa: he

• pipīlikā-rāgataḥ: having gone into the condition/form of an ant

• yatra: where

• tat: that

• kīṭa-mithunam: the pair (couple) of insects

• ramamāṇam: sporting, delighting (in union)

• avasthitam: situated, remaining, present

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in narrative instruction to Vaivasvata Manu; typical Matsya Purana dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Yogin
• Pipilika (ant)
• Kita-mithuna (insect-pair)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya Avatara
• Yoga
• Subtle Body
• Narrative Illustration

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it highlights yogic mastery over form and perception—an ability often emphasized in Purana narratives around Pralaya to show that consciousness can persist and observe even when gross conditions change.

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

It functions as a moral-psychological illustration: rulers and householders should recognize how desire operates even in small beings, cultivating restraint and discernment rather than being driven by instinctive impulses.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual procedure is stated; the verse is primarily yogic-narrative, using subtle transformation and observation as a teaching device rather than prescribing temple-building or rites.