Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — Yadu Lineage

Devanagari script

श्रीवत्सलक्षणं देवं दृष्ट्वा दिव्यैश्च लक्षणैः उवाच वसुदेवस्तं रूपं संहर वै प्रभो //

Transliteration

śrīvatsalakṣaṇaṃ devaṃ dṛṣṭvā divyaiśca lakṣaṇaiḥ uvāca vasudevastaṃ rūpaṃ saṃhara vai prabho //

Translation

Seeing the Lord marked with the Śrīvatsa emblem and other divine signs, Vasudeva said: “O Master, withdraw (conceal) that form indeed.”

Word by Word

• śrīvatsa-lakṣaṇam: bearing the Śrīvatsa mark

• devam: the god, the Lord

• dṛṣṭvā: having seen

• divyaiḥ: with divine

• ca: and

• lakṣaṇaiḥ: characteristics, marks

• uvāca: said

• vasudevaḥ: Vasudeva

• tam: that

• rūpam: form

• saṃhara: withdraw, draw back, conceal

• vai: indeed, surely

• prabho: O Lord, O Master

Speaker

• Vasudeva

Entities Mentioned

• Vasudeva
• Śrīvatsa
• Deva (the Lord, Vishnu)

Tags

• Iconography
• Vaishnava Marks
• Darshana
• Divine Form
• Pratima Lakshana

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it focuses on recognizing the Lord through divine iconographic marks (like Śrīvatsa) and the devotee’s request that the overwhelming divine form be withdrawn.

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

It models devotional discernment and reverence: a householder like Vasudeva recognizes the Lord by scriptural signs (lakṣaṇa) and responds with humility—an ethical posture encouraged in Purāṇic dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Śrīvatsa and other lakṣaṇas are key identifiers used in pratima-lakṣaṇa traditions, informing temple icon selection, consecration, and correct ritual recognition of Viṣṇu images.