Shloka 42

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

Devanagari script

जयशब्दं पुरस्कृत्य शरण्यं शरणं गताः स तेषां तां गिरं श्रुत्वा विष्णुर्दैवतदैवतम् //

Transliteration

jayaśabdaṃ puraskṛtya śaraṇyaṃ śaraṇaṃ gatāḥ sa teṣāṃ tāṃ giraṃ śrutvā viṣṇurdaivatadaivatam //

Translation

Putting the cry of “Victory!” at the forefront, they took refuge in the Refuge of all. Hearing their utterance, Vishnu—God of gods—(responded).

Word by Word

• जयशब्दम्: the word/cry ‘jaya’ (victory)

• पुरस्कृत्य: placing in front, proclaiming first

• शरण्यम्: the protector, the one fit to give refuge

• शरणम्: refuge, shelter

• गताः: they went/approached

• सः: he

• तेषाम्: of them

• ताम्: that

• गिरम्: speech, utterance, plea

• श्रुत्वा: having heard

• विष्णुः: Vishnu

• दैवत-दैवतम्: the deity of deities, God of gods

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narration; likely Sūta conveying the episode)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu

Tags

• Bhakti
• Sharanagati
• Vishnu
• Stuti
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not directly describe pralaya; it emphasizes śaraṇāgati—seeking divine refuge—an attitude often presented as the saving principle in crisis narratives (including flood/dissolution contexts).

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

It frames a core Purāṇic ethic: when confronted with danger or moral uncertainty, one should act with humility and seek protection in the righteous refuge (Vishnu), aligning personal action with dharma rather than pride or despair.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is the devotional formula—uttering ‘jaya’ and approaching the deity as śaraṇya—typical of stuti and surrender practices.