Shloka 25

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

Devanagari script

आस्थाय नियमं तस्थौ सप्तरात्रमकल्मषः स्वप्ने प्राह हृषीकेशः प्रभाते पर्यटन्पुरम् //

Transliteration

āsthāya niyamaṃ tasthau saptarātramakalmaṣaḥ svapne prāha hṛṣīkeśaḥ prabhāte paryaṭanpuram //

Translation

Having undertaken a niyama (disciplined observance), the sinless one remained steadfast for seven nights. In a dream Hṛṣīkeśa (Lord Viṣṇu) spoke to him; and at dawn he went about the city.

Word by Word

• आस्थाय: having undertaken, having resorted to

• नियमं: a vow/discipline, regulated observance (niyama)

• तस्थौ: stood, remained stationed/steadfast

• सप्तरात्रम्: for seven nights

• अकल्मषः: stainless, free from sin/impurity

• स्वप्ने: in a dream

• प्राह: said, spoke

• हृषीकेशः: Hṛṣīkeśa, Lord of the senses (Viṣṇu)

• प्रभाते: at daybreak, in the morning

• पर्यटन्: wandering about, going around

• पुरम्: the city/town

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the devotee/king’s observance and Viṣṇu’s dream-instruction

Entities Mentioned

• Hṛṣīkeśa (Vishnu)

Tags

• Vrata
• Niyama
• Dream-Oracle
• Dharma
• Pilgrimage/Parikrama

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it highlights a dharmic method—strict niyama and purity—through which divine guidance (Viṣṇu’s message in a dream) is received.

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

It presents the ideal of regulated self-discipline (niyama), moral purity (akalmaṣa), and purposeful daily conduct—suggesting that rulers/householders should combine vows and inner restraint with active engagement in civic life (“going about the city”).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it emphasizes vrata/niyama kept for a defined period (seven nights) and the reception of divine instruction; architecturally, it only alludes indirectly to moving through the city (puram) and does not state specific Vāstu or temple-building rules in this line.