Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — War of Devas and Dānavas: Yama and Kubera Defeated; Kālanemi’s Māyā and the A...

Devanagari script

जगद् व्याकुलतां यातं प्रलयागमशङ्कया क्षणात्प्रशान्तनिर्ह्रादं ज्वलदुल्कासमाचितम् //

Transliteration

jagad vyākulatāṃ yātaṃ pralayāgamaśaṅkayā kṣaṇātpraśāntanirhrādaṃ jvaladulkāsamācitam //

Translation

The world was thrown into turmoil, fearing the approach of pralaya, the cosmic dissolution. In an instant all roaring sounds were stilled, and the sky grew crowded with blazing meteors.

Word by Word

• जगत् (jagat): the world

• व्याकुलताम् (vyākulatām): into agitation, distress

• यातम् (yātam): went, entered

• प्रलय-आगम (pralaya-āgama): the coming of dissolution

• शङ्कया (śaṅkayā): out of fear, due to apprehension

• क्षणात् (kṣaṇāt): in a moment, instantly

• प्रशान्त (praśānta): calmed, pacified

• निर्ह्रादम् (nirhrādam): roaring sound, tumultuous noise

• ज्वलत् (jvalat): blazing, flaming

• उल्का (ulkā): meteor, fireball

• समाचितम् (samācitam): filled with, crowded, heaped up.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction/narration to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Pralaya
• Ulkā (meteors)
• Jagat (the world)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmic omens
• Portents
• Matsya-Avatara context
• Puranic cosmology

FAQs

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

It portrays pralaya as preceded by fear and instability across the world, marked by sudden silencing of natural tumult and the appearance of fiery meteors—classic Puranic portents of impending dissolution.

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

Though not a direct rule of conduct, it frames the ethical urgency found in the Matsya Purana: rulers and householders should practice dharma, charity, and preparedness, since worldly order can swiftly shift under cosmic events.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vastu or temple rule is stated; the practical takeaway is ritual vigilance—portents like meteors and sudden hush are treated as signals for intensified rites (śānti/propitiatory measures) in Puranic tradition.