Shloka 48

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

Devanagari script

न विग्रहं ग्रहाश्चक्रुः प्रशान्ताश्चापि सिन्धवः विरजस्काभवन्मार्गा नाकवर्गादयस्त्रयः //

Transliteration

na vigrahaṃ grahāścakruḥ praśāntāścāpi sindhavaḥ virajaskābhavanmārgā nākavargādayastrayaḥ //

Translation

The planets caused no conflict; the rivers too became tranquil. The roads were free from dust, and the three groups beginning with the celestial classes (nāka-varga) were likewise at peace and orderly.

Word by Word

• na: not

• vigraham: conflict, hostility, contention

• grahāḥ: planets (astral powers)

• cakruḥ: made, caused

• praśāntāḥ: calmed, pacified

• ca api: and also

• sindhavaḥ: rivers/streams (also ‘waters’)

• virajaskāḥ: dustless, free of rajas (dust)

• abhavan: became

• mārgāḥ: roads, paths

• nāka: heaven, celestial realm

• varga: class/group

• ādayaḥ: beginning with

• trayaḥ: three (three groups/triad).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s account; verse describes conditions rather than direct dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Grahāḥ (planets)
• Sindhavaḥ (rivers)
• Nāka-varga (celestial classes/groups)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Omens
• Cosmic Order
• Peace
• Auspicious Signs

FAQs

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

It portrays a post-crisis restoration of ṛta (cosmic order): astral forces no longer generate turmoil, natural waters become calm, and the environment turns auspicious—typical Purāṇic markers of stability after upheaval.

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

It implies that good governance and righteous living aim at a ‘dustless road’ society—public order, reduced conflict, and harmonized natural/cosmic rhythms—an ethical ideal often linked to dharma-driven rule.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

“Dustless roads” is an auspicious environmental sign; in Vāstu/ritual thinking, cleanliness and settled surroundings indicate sattva and suitability for rites, consecrations, and stable civic/temple spaces.