Shloka 31

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

Devanagari script

महाभूततरङ्गौघं ग्रहनक्षत्रबुद्बुदम् विमानविहगव्यातं तोयदाडम्बराकुलम् //

Transliteration

mahābhūtataraṅgaughaṃ grahanakṣatrabudbudam vimānavihagavyātaṃ toyadāḍambarākulam //

Translation

It appeared like a surging flood of waves made of the great elements, with planets and constellations rising like bubbles; crowded with aerial chariots and birds, and thrown into tumult by the roaring pageantry of rain-clouds.

Word by Word

• mahābhūta: the great elements (earth, water, fire, wind, ether)

• taraṅga: wave

• ogha: torrent, massed flood

• graha: planet (also ‘seizer’, celestial body)

• nakṣatra: constellation/star

• budbuda: bubble

• vimāna: aerial chariot, celestial vehicle

• vihaga: bird

• vyāta: spread out, filled, pervaded

• toya: water, rain

• ḍambara: loud display, din, roaring commotion

• ākula: agitated, crowded, in confusion

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in dialogue with Vaivasvata Manu, describing pralaya-like upheaval)

Entities Mentioned

• Grahas (planets)
• Nakshatras (constellations)
• Vimanas (celestial chariots)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmic imagery
• Matsya Avatara
• Deluge
• Portents

FAQs

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

It portrays dissolution as a total upheaval where even the cosmic order (planets and constellations) seems to churn in a flood-like mass of the elements, emphasizing pralaya’s all-encompassing instability.

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

Indirectly, it underscores impermanence: rulers and householders should practice dharma, charity, and restraint, because worldly structures can be overturned like bubbles in a cosmic storm.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual rule is stated; the verse instead supplies pralaya imagery often used to frame why sacred rites, temple endowments, and dharmic foundations are pursued as stabilizing acts amid cosmic uncertainty.