Shloka 24

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

Devanagari script

तस्मात्त्वयाहम् एवेह हसिता किमतः परम् ततो निरुत्तरो राजा जिज्ञासुस्तत्पुरो हरेः //

Transliteration

tasmāttvayāham eveha hasitā kimataḥ param tato niruttaro rājā jijñāsustatpuro hareḥ //

Translation

“Therefore I have indeed been laughed at by you here—what could be more than this?” Thereupon the king fell silent, yet eager to know, standing before Hari.

Word by Word

• tasmāt: therefore

• tvayā: by you

• aham: I

• eva: indeed

• iha: here/in this matter

• hasitā: laughed at/made a subject of laughter

• kim: what?

• ataḥ param: beyond this/greater than this

• tataḥ: then/thereupon

• niruttaraḥ: without reply/speechless

• rājā: the king

• jijñāsuḥ: desirous of knowing/inquisitive

• tat-puraḥ: in his presence/before him

• hareḥ: of Hari (Vishnu)

Speaker

• Narrator (Suta/compilers’ narrative voice describing the king before Hari)

Entities Mentioned

• Hari

Tags

• Dialogue
• Royal inquiry
• Dharma
• Humility
• Vishnu

FAQs

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

This specific verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it frames a moment of tension and humility in a dialogue before Hari, preparing the ground for further revelation that may include cosmic topics elsewhere in the narrative.

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

It highlights a kingly virtue central to Matsya Purana-style dharma: restraint and sincere inquiry. Even when challenged or corrected, the ruler remains composed, attentive, and eager to learn from divine authority.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vastu Shastra or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is contextual—proper receptivity and humility are prerequisites for receiving technical injunctions (including ritual and temple-architecture rules) later in the text.