Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — Vishnu’s Battle with Mathana

Devanagari script

श्रान्तो ऽस्यथ मुहूर्तं त्वं रणादपसृतो भव इत्युक्तो गरुडस्तेन विष्णुना प्रभविष्णुना //

Transliteration

śrānto 'syatha muhūrtaṃ tvaṃ raṇādapasṛto bhava ityukto garuḍastena viṣṇunā prabhaviṣṇunā //

Translation

Then mighty Viṣṇu said to Garuḍa: “You are weary—withdraw from the battlefield for a moment.” Thus was Garuḍa addressed by Viṣṇu, the supremely powerful Lord.

Word by Word

• श्रान्तः (śrāntaḥ): weary, fatigued

• असि (asi): you are

• अथ (atha): then

• मुहूर्तम् (muhūrtam): for a moment, for a short while

• त्वम् (tvam): you

• रणात् (raṇāt): from the battle, from the battlefield

• अपसृतः (apasṛtaḥ): withdrawn, having retreated

• भव (bhava): be (imperative), become

• इति (iti): thus

• उक्तः (uktaḥ): said, addressed

• गरुडः (garuḍaḥ): Garuḍa

• तेन (tena): by him, by that

• विष्णुना (viṣṇunā): by Viṣṇu

• प्रभविष्णुना (prabhaviṣṇunā): by the exceedingly mighty one, by the supremely powerful (Viṣṇu).

Speaker

• Lord Vishnu

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu
• Garuda

Tags

• Vishnu
• Garuda
• Battle
• Divine counsel
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya or cosmology; it portrays a battlefield moment where Viṣṇu gives practical guidance to Garuḍa, emphasizing divine strategy and care for an ally’s limits.

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

It models prudent leadership: even in conflict, one should recognize fatigue, pause when needed, and preserve strength—an ethical and strategic principle applicable to kingship (rājadharma) and disciplined household life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is narrative and ethical—rest, timing (muhūrta), and strategic withdrawal.