Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — Uma’s Austerities and the Slaying of the Deceiver Asura ĀḌi

Devanagari script

भुजगरूपं संत्यज्य बभूवाथ महासुरः उमारूपी छलयितुं गिरिशं मूढचेतनः //

Transliteration

bhujagarūpaṃ saṃtyajya babhūvātha mahāsuraḥ umārūpī chalayituṃ giriśaṃ mūḍhacetanaḥ //

Translation

Abandoning his serpent-form, the great asura then assumed the form of Umā, intending to deceive Girīśa (Śiva)—his mind deluded.

Word by Word

• भुजगरूपम् (bhujagarūpam): serpent-form

• संत्यज्य (saṃtyajya): having abandoned

• बभूव (babhūva): became/assumed

• अथ (atha): then

• महासुरः (mahāsuraḥ): the great asura (demon)

• उमारूपी (umārūpī): taking the form of Umā (Pārvatī)

• छलयितुम् (chalayitum): to deceive

• गिरिशम् (giriśam): Girīśa, Lord of the mountain (Śiva)

• मूढचेतनः (mūḍhacetanaḥ): of deluded mind

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) recounting the episode within the Matsya Purana’s discourse

Entities Mentioned

• Mahāsura (a great asura)
• Umā (Pārvatī)
• Girīśa (Śiva)

Tags

• Deception
• Shaiva lore
• Asura
• Maya (illusion)
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it highlights moral and psychological themes—illusion (māyā) and delusion (moha)—through an asura’s attempt to deceive Śiva by assuming Umā’s form.

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

It cautions against deceit and impersonation, implying that rulers and householders should cultivate discernment and uphold truthfulness (satya) and integrity, since deluded intent leads to adharmic action.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No vastu-śāstra, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is narrative and ethical, illustrating the misuse of disguise and the danger of deluded intention.