Shloka 26

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

Devanagari script

वृद्धद्विजो यस्तद्वाक्यात् सर्वं ज्ञास्यस्यशेषतः इत्युक्त्वान्तर्दधे विष्णुः प्रभाते ऽथ नृपः पुरात् //

Transliteration

vṛddhadvijo yastadvākyāt sarvaṃ jñāsyasyaśeṣataḥ ityuktvāntardadhe viṣṇuḥ prabhāte 'tha nṛpaḥ purāt //

Translation

Saying, “By his instruction, that venerable aged Brahmin will cause you to know everything completely, without remainder,” Viṣṇu then vanished. At dawn thereafter, the king (Manu) rose and proceeded as in former times.

Word by Word

• vृद्ध-द्विजः: the aged Brahmin

• यः: who

• तद्-वाक्यात्: by his statement/teaching (instruction)

• सर्वम्: everything

• ज्ञास्यसि: you will know

• अशेषतः: entirely, without remainder

• इति: thus

• उक्त्वा: having said

• अन्तर्दधे: disappeared, became invisible

• विष्णुः: Viṣṇu

• प्रभाते: at dawn

• अथ: then

• नृपः: the king

• पुरात्: as before, from ancient custom/earlier times

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narration describing Lord Viṣṇu/Matsya’s action to King Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu
• Vṛddha-dvija (aged Brahmin/teacher)
• King (Manu)

Tags

• Matsya Avatara
• Pralaya
• Divine instruction
• Guru-disciple
• Revelation

FAQs

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

It shows the transition point in the Pralaya narrative: after giving the final direction for complete knowledge, Viṣṇu (Matsya) withdraws, indicating that the divine plan will now unfold through instructed human action and transmission of wisdom.

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

It emphasizes obedient follow-through: the king is expected to act “at dawn” and “as before,” suggesting disciplined royal conduct—rising early, adhering to established dharma, and seeking complete knowledge through authorized instruction.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated; the ritual cue is temporal and procedural—acting at dawn and according to tradition—reflecting the Purāṇic norm that sacred duties and learning begin with disciplined daily observance.