Shloka 49

Matsya Purana — Tripura’s Prosperity

Devanagari script

स्वर्गं च देवतावासं पूर्वदेववशानुगाः विध्वंसयन्ति संक्रुद्धास् तपोधनवनानि च //

Transliteration

svargaṃ ca devatāvāsaṃ pūrvadevavaśānugāḥ vidhvaṃsayanti saṃkruddhās tapodhanavanāni ca //

Translation

Enraged, those who are subservient to the power of the former gods lay waste to heaven—the dwelling of the deities—and they also devastate the forest-hermitages of the ascetic sages.

Word by Word

• स्वर्गम् (svargam): heaven

• च (ca): and

• देवतावासम् (devatāvāsam): the abode/dwelling of the gods

• पूर्वदेव (pūrvadeva): former/earlier gods

• वश (vaśa): control, sway

• अनुगाः (anugāḥ): followers, those who go under/along (subordinate adherents)

• विध्वंसयन्ति (vidhvaṃsayanti): they destroy, they lay waste

• संक्रुद्धाः (saṃkruddhāḥ): thoroughly enraged

• तपोधन (tapodhana): ascetics whose wealth is austerity (great sages)

• वनानि (vanāni): forests, woodland retreats

• च (ca): and

• (इति भावः): thus is the sense.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, describing cosmic/social upheaval)

Entities Mentioned

• Svarga
• Devas (Devatas)
• Pūrvadevas (former gods)
• Tapodhanas (ascetic sages)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmic Disorder
• Devaloka
• Tapas
• Sacred Groves

FAQs

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

It depicts a phase of severe cosmic disorder where even Svarga and the deities’ realms are attacked, indicating destabilization typical of dissolution-like upheavals rather than orderly creation.

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

By highlighting the devastation of sages’ forest-retreats, it implies the dharmic duty to protect ascetics, hermitages, and sacred spaces—key responsibilities of rulers and householders who uphold social and spiritual order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not prescribing Vastu rules directly, it underscores the sanctity of deva-abodes and rishi-āśramas—sites that, in Matsya Purana’s broader framework, warrant careful protection, proper consecration, and ritually maintained boundaries.