Shloka 41

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

Devanagari script

ददृशुस्ते स्थितं देवं दिव्ये लोकमये रथे ते कृताञ्जलयः सर्वे देवाः शक्रपुरोगमाः //

Transliteration

dadṛśuste sthitaṃ devaṃ divye lokamaye rathe te kṛtāñjalayaḥ sarve devāḥ śakrapurogamāḥ //

Translation

They beheld the Deity standing upon a divine chariot fashioned of the worlds. All the gods—led by Śakra (Indra)—stood with folded hands in reverence.

Word by Word

• ददृशुः (dadṛśuḥ): they saw/beheld

• ते (te): they/those

• स्थितम् (sthitam): standing/abiding

• देवम् (devam): the God/the Deity

• दिव्ये (divye): divine/celestial

• लोकमये (lokamaye): consisting of the worlds/world-formed

• रथे (rathe): on the chariot

• ते (te): they

• कृताञ्जलयः (kṛtāñjalayaḥ): having made añjali, with palms joined

• सर्वे (sarve): all

• देवाः (devāḥ): the gods

• शक्रपुरोगमाः (śakra-purogamāḥ): with Śakra (Indra) at the forefront/led by Indra

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrative voice, traditionally Sūta)

Entities Mentioned

• Deva (the Deity)
• Śakra (Indra)
• Devas

Tags

• Deva-darshana
• Indra
• Divine chariot
• Bhakti
• Cosmic iconography

FAQs

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

While it does not describe pralaya directly, the phrase “lokamaya” (world-formed) suggests a cosmic vision where the Deity is shown as the support and embodiment of the worlds—an idea often used in Purāṇas to frame both creation and dissolution under divine sovereignty.

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

The verse models ideal conduct: even the highest powers (the devas led by Indra) approach the divine with humility (kṛtāñjali). In Matsya Purana ethics, this translates into royal and household discipline—reverence, self-restraint, and acknowledging a higher dharma rather than acting from pride.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, “kṛtāñjali” is a clear marker of upacāra (gesture of worship) and proper devotional etiquette. Iconographically, the “divine chariot” motif informs temple/ritual storytelling and visual programs (ratha imagery), though no specific Vāstu rule is stated in this verse.