Shloka 4

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

Devanagari script

तपसे बुद्धिरभवत् तदा तेषां द्विजन्मनाम् यास्यामः परमां सिद्धिम् इत्य् ऊचुस् ते द्विजोत्तमाः //

Transliteration

tapase buddhirabhavat tadā teṣāṃ dvijanmanām yāsyāmaḥ paramāṃ siddhim ity ūcus te dvijottamāḥ //

Translation

Then, in the minds of those twice-born, a resolve for tapas (austerity) arose; and those foremost of Brahmins said, “By this tapas we shall attain the supreme perfection (siddhi).”

Word by Word

• तपसे (tapase): for/through austerity, ascetic discipline

• बुद्धिः (buddhiḥ): understanding, resolve, intention

• अभवत् (abhavat): arose, came to be

• तदा (tadā): then

• तेषाम् (teṣām): of them

• द्विजन्मनाम् (dvijanmanām): of the twice-born (Brahmins and other initiated classes)

• यास्यामः (yāsyāmaḥ): we shall go/attain

• परमाम् (paramām): supreme, highest

• सिद्धिम् (siddhim): accomplishment, spiritual perfection

• इति (iti): thus

• ऊचुः (ūcuḥ): they said

• ते (te): those

• द्विजोत्तमाः (dvijottamāḥ): the best of the twice-born, foremost Brahmins.

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing the sages/twice-born)

Entities Mentioned

• Dvija (twice-born)
• Dvijottama (foremost Brahmins)
• Tapas
• Siddhi

Tags

• Tapas
• Siddhi
• Dharma
• Brahmin-sages
• Spiritual discipline

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights the Purāṇic principle that tapas (austerity) generates the inner resolve and power by which sages attain “supreme siddhi,” often presented elsewhere as a force that sustains cosmic order across cycles.

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

While spoken about the twice-born, the ethical thrust applies broadly: disciplined self-control and purposeful practice (tapas guided by buddhi) are foundational virtues for householders and rulers—supporting restraint, clarity in duty, and the pursuit of higher ends beyond mere pleasure.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vāstu or temple rule is stated here; ritually, the verse foregrounds tapas as a core preparatory discipline that undergirds successful yajña, vrata, and other Purāṇic observances leading toward siddhi.