Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Vishnu’s Battle with Mathana

Devanagari script

बहु कृत्वा वपुर्विष्णुः किंचिच्छान्तभुजो ऽभवत् उवाच च गरुत्मन्तं तस्मिन्सुतुमुले रणे //

Transliteration

bahu kṛtvā vapurviṣṇuḥ kiṃcicchāntabhujo 'bhavat uvāca ca garutmantaṃ tasminsutumule raṇe //

Translation

After assuming many forms, Viṣṇu became somewhat calm and composed; and in that exceedingly tumultuous battle, He spoke to Garuḍa.

Word by Word

• bahu: many

• kṛtvā: having done/assumed

• vapuḥ: form/body

• viṣṇuḥ: Lord Viṣṇu

• kiṃcit: somewhat

• chānta: pacified/calm

• bhujaḥ: arms (by extension: bearing/force of arms)

• abhavat: became

• uvāca: said/spoke

• ca: and

• garutmantaṃ: to Garutmān (Garuḍa)

• tasmin: in that

• su-tumule: very tumultuous/violent

• raṇe: in battle

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing Vishnu; Vishnu is about to address Garuda

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu
• Garuda (Garutman)

Tags

• Vishnu
• Garuda
• Battle narrative
• Avatara themes
• Puranic warfare

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights Viṣṇu’s sovereign power to assume many forms and then regain composure—an attribute that, in broader Purāṇic thought, supports cosmic stability rather than dissolution.

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

The verse models self-mastery in conflict: even amid intense struggle, the protector becomes calm and then speaks with purpose—an ethical cue in the Matsya Purana’s wider dharma frame that rulers and householders should act from composure, not agitation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its primary focus is narrative—Viṣṇu’s composure and communication in battle—rather than temple-building rules or rites.