Shloka 46

Matsya Purana — Yadu Lineage

Devanagari script

हिरण्यकशिपुर् दैत्यो नारसिंहेन पातितः वामनेन बलिर् बद्धस् त्रैलोक्याक्रमणे पुरा //

Transliteration

hiraṇyakaśipur daityo nārasiṃhena pātitaḥ vāmanena balir baddhas trailokyākramaṇe purā //

Translation

In former times, the Daitya Hiraṇyakaśipu was struck down by Narasiṃha; and Bali was bound by Vāmana during the ancient stride that encompassed the three worlds.

Word by Word

• हिरण्यकशिपुः (hiraṇyakaśipuḥ): Hiraṇyakaśipu

• दैत्यः (daityaḥ): the Daitya (asura)

• नारसिंहेन (nārasiṃhena): by Narasiṃha

• पातितः (pātitaḥ): felled, cast down, slain

• वामनेन (vāmanena): by Vāmana

• बलिः (baliḥ): Bali

• बद्धः (baddhaḥ): bound, restrained

• त्रैलोक्य-आक्रमणे (trailokya-ākramaṇe): in the act of striding over/occupying the three worlds

• पुरा (purā): formerly, in ancient times

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) recounting Puranic exempla (within the Matsya Purana’s discourse on divine interventions)

Entities Mentioned

• Hiraṇyakaśipu
• Narasiṃha
• Bali
• Vāmana
• Trailokya (three worlds)

Tags

• Vishnu Avatara
• Asura-nigraha
• Cosmic order
• Mythic history
• Dharma protection

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights Vishnu’s protective interventions (avatāras) that restore cosmic balance, a theme that complements Purāṇic discussions of cyclical order and disruption.

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

By presenting Hiraṇyakaśipu and Bali as exempla of power checked by dharma, the verse implies that rulers and householders must restrain pride and uphold rightful order, recognizing that sovereignty is subordinate to moral law.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated here; the ritual takeaway is devotional—remembering Narasiṃha and Vāmana as protectors of dharma, often invoked in worship and recitation for protection and steadiness of conduct.