Shloka 29

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

Devanagari script

सागराकारनिर्ह्रादं रसातलमहाश्रयम् मृगेन्द्रपाशैर्विततं पक्षजन्तुनिषेवितम् //

Transliteration

sāgarākāranirhrādaṃ rasātalamahāśrayam mṛgendrapāśairvitataṃ pakṣajantuniṣevitam //

Translation

Resounding like the ocean, it had Rasātala as its vast foundation; it was spread out with the nooses of lordly beasts, and was frequented by winged creatures.

Word by Word

• sāgara-ākāra: ocean-like in form/immensity

• nirhrādaṃ: roaring, resounding, reverberating

• rasātala: the netherworld named Rasātala

• mahā-āśrayam: having a great support/foundation, resting upon

• mṛga-indra: lord of beasts (lit. ‘king of animals’, i.e., mighty beasts/lions)

• pāśaiḥ: with nooses, snares, bindings

• vitatam: spread out, extended, pervaded

• pakṣa: wing (by extension ‘winged’)

• jantu: creature, being

• niṣevitam: inhabited by, resorted to, frequented.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s discourse; within the embedded dialogue tradition attributed to Lord Matsya instructing Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Rasātala

Tags

• Vastu
• SacredGeography
• Netherworlds
• TempleTopography
• MythicLandscape

FAQs

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

It does not directly narrate Pralaya; instead it uses oceanic roaring imagery and netherworld (Rasātala) foundations to convey a cosmic-scale, awe-inspiring terrain—imagery often used in Puranic cosmography that frames cycles of creation and dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Matsya Purana’s broader ideal of discernment: powerful places and dangerous terrains (symbolized by snares/nooses and wild beings) require prudence in travel, settlement, and protection—key royal duties (rakṣaṇa) and household responsibility (safety and right choice of dwelling).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse functions as a site-characterization: roaring sound, vast foundation, and presence of creatures are classic markers used in Vastu-oriented texts to judge terrain potency and risk—useful when interpreting Matsya Purana-style guidance on choosing or describing sacred/fortified locations.