Shloka 9

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

Devanagari script

एतदाश्चर्यभूतस्य विष्णोः कर्मानुकीर्तनम् कीर्तनीयस्य लोकेषु कीर्त्यमानं निबोध मे //

Transliteration

etadāścaryabhūtasya viṣṇoḥ karmānukīrtanam kīrtanīyasya lokeṣu kīrtyamānaṃ nibodha me //

Translation

Now understand from me this narration that recounts the wondrous deeds of Vishnu—deeds that are fit to be praised in all the worlds, and are indeed being celebrated everywhere.

Word by Word

• etat: this

• āścarya-bhūtasya: of the wondrous/marvelous one

• viṣṇoḥ: of Vishnu

• karma-anukīrtanam: recounting/celebratory narration of deeds

• kīrtanīyasya: of one who is worthy to be praised

• lokeṣu: in the worlds

• kīrtyamānam: being praised/celebrated

• nibodha: understand, know well

• me: from me / my

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within Matsya Purana dialogues)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu

Tags

• Vishnu
• Kirtana
• Bhakti
• Shravana
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it functions as a transition into (or emphasis on) the sacred narration of Vishnu’s wondrous deeds, establishing that such accounts are universally worthy of praise.

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

It supports the Matsya Purana’s ethic of śravaṇa–kīrtana (hearing and reciting sacred deeds): a king or householder is encouraged to uphold dharma by listening to, preserving, and promoting elevating narratives that cultivate virtue and devotion.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu/temple-rule detail appears in this verse; its ritual takeaway is the primacy of kīrtana—recitation and proclamation—as a meritorious religious act.