Shloka 28

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

Devanagari script

विशेषपत्रैर्निचितं ग्रहनक्षत्रपुष्पितम् दैत्यलोकमहास्कन्धं मर्त्यलोकप्रकाशितम् //

Transliteration

viśeṣapatrairnicitaṃ grahanakṣatrapuṣpitam daityalokamahāskandhaṃ martyalokaprakāśitam //

Translation

Dense with distinctive leaves and blossoming with planets and constellations, it stands as a mighty trunk for the Daitya-world—yet it is made manifest to illuminate the world of mortals.

Word by Word

viśeṣa-patraiḥwith special/distinct leaves

nicitamdensely filled/packed

grahaplanets

nakṣatralunar mansions/constellations

puṣpitamblossoming/flowering

daitya-lokathe realm/world of the Daityas (Asuras)

mahā-skandhamgreat trunk/main stem (of a cosmic tree)

martya-lokathe mortal world

prakāśitamrevealed/made luminous/illuminated

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Purana’s instructional narration)

Entities Mentioned

DaityasGrahasNakshatrasMartya-loka

FAQs

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

Rather than describing Pralaya directly, the verse uses cosmic-tree imagery—planets and constellations as “flowers”—to present an ordered universe that becomes visible and meaningful to mortals.

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

By highlighting graha–nakṣatra order, it supports the Purana’s practical ethic: rulers and householders should align major acts (coronations, donations, rites) with auspicious celestial timings and a properly understood cosmic order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The graha–nakṣatra motif points to ritual calendrics and directionality—key for selecting muhūrtas and orienting sacred works (temples/altars) in line with celestial principles emphasized in Matsya Purana–style Vastu guidance.