Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — War of Devas and Asuras; Birth of Aurva Fire; Countering Tamasī Māyā through ...

Devanagari script

मायामौर्वीं समासाद्य दह्यमाना दिवौकसः भेजिरे चन्द्रविषयं शीतांशुसलिलप्रदम् //

Transliteration

māyāmaurvīṃ samāsādya dahyamānā divaukasaḥ bhejire candraviṣayaṃ śītāṃśusalilapradam //

Translation

When the celestial beings, scorched by the burning heat, took refuge in the illusory (protective) power called Maurvī, they then resorted to the region of the Moon, which bestows the cooling waters of the moonbeam.

Word by Word

• माया (māyā): illusory power, divine protective potency

• मौर्वीं (maurvīm): Maurvī (a named māyā/energy, protective illusion)

• समासाद्य (samāsādya): having approached, having taken refuge in

• दह्यमानाः (dahyamānāḥ): being burned, scorched

• दिवौकसः (divaukasaḥ): the dwellers of heaven, the devas

• भेजिरे (bhejire): they resorted to, they took shelter in

• चन्द्रविषयम् (candraviṣayam): the lunar realm, the region of the Moon

• शीतांशु (śītāṃśu): ‘cool-rayed’ (the Moon)

• सलिलप्रदम् (salila-pradam): water-giving, bestowing water (cooling moisture).

Speaker

• Suta (narrative voice) describing events within the Matsya Purana’s cosmological account

Entities Mentioned

• Devas (Divaukasaḥ)
• Chandra (the Moon)
• Maya (protective/illusory power)
• Maurvi (Māyā-Maurvī)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmology
• Devas
• Chandra
• Cooling Waters

FAQs

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

It depicts a pralaya-like condition of scorching cosmic heat where even devas seek refuge; the Moon is portrayed as a cooling sanctuary that provides soothing, water-like relief through its rays.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces the Purāṇic ethic of seeking proper shelter and preserving life during calamity—principles mirrored in royal duty (protection in crisis) and household prudence (securing safety and resources in extreme conditions).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not giving direct Vastu rules, it highlights the symbolic value of ‘cooling’ and ‘water-bestowing’ qualities—ideas often echoed in ritual and temple planning where water, lunar symbolism, and cooling spaces are treated as auspicious supports.