Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — Vishnu’s Names Across Yugas and the Gods’ Refuge During the Tārakāmaya War

Devanagari script

चतुर्युगान्तपर्याये लोकानां यद्भयं भवेत् अरूपवन्ति रूपाणि तस्मिन्नुत्पातलक्षणे //

Transliteration

caturyugāntaparyāye lokānāṃ yadbhayaṃ bhavet arūpavanti rūpāṇi tasminnutpātalakṣaṇe //

Translation

At the recurring juncture marking the end of the four-yuga cycle, whatever fear arises among the worlds—then, at that time characterized by ominous portents, even forms become formless (their appearance is distorted and unnatural).

Word by Word

• caturyuga-anta: the end of the four yugas

• paryāya: recurring turn/periodic cycle

• lokānām: of the worlds/of beings

• yat: which/whatever

• bhayam: fear

• bhavet: arises/comes to be

• arūpavanti: becoming formless/losing proper form

• rūpāṇi: forms/appearances

• tasmin: in that (time/event)

• utpāta: portent/evil omen/prodigy

• lakṣaṇe: as a mark/characteristic, in the condition of being characterized

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s discourse, within the Matsya–Manu teaching context)

Entities Mentioned

• Caturyuga
• Utpāta

Tags

• Pralaya
• Utpata
• Yuga-cycle
• Omens
• Cosmic-order

FAQs

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

It points to pre-dissolution conditions: at the cyclic end of the four-yuga span, fear spreads through the worlds and reality appears distorted—“forms” lose their normal, stable nature—signaling impending upheaval.

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

By highlighting collective fear and abnormal signs, it implies the need for dharmic steadiness—leaders and householders should respond to social panic with order, restraint, and ritual-ethical conduct rather than confusion when ominous conditions arise.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is that “utpāta-lakṣaṇa” (ominous marks) are to be recognized as signals for heightened śānti (appeasement) rites and protective observances when abnormalities appear.