Shloka 47

Matsya Purana — Yadu Lineage

Devanagari script

हिरण्याक्षो हतो द्वंद्वे प्रतिघाते तु दैवतैः दंष्ट्रया तु वराहेण समुद्रस्तु द्विधा कृतः //

Transliteration

hiraṇyākṣo hato dvaṃdve pratighāte tu daivataiḥ daṃṣṭrayā tu varāheṇa samudrastu dvidhā kṛtaḥ //

Translation

Hiraṇyākṣa was slain in single combat, struck down amid the assault of the gods; and by the tusk of Varāha the ocean was cleft as though into two.

Word by Word

हिरण्याक्षःHiraṇyākṣa (the Asura named ‘Golden-eyed’)

हतःslain

द्वंद्वेin a duel/single combat

प्रतिघातेin the counter-striking/assault, in the clash of blows

तुindeed

दैवतैःby the gods/divinities

दंष्ट्रयाby (his) tusk

वराहेणby Varāha (the Boar incarnation)

समुद्रःthe ocean/sea

द्विधाinto two, in two parts

कृतःmade, rendered.

Speaker

Lord Matsya (narrating Purāṇic history to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

HiraṇyākṣaVarāhaDaivatas (the gods)Samudra (ocean)

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it highlights the cosmic-restorative role of Viṣṇu’s Varāha: the defeat of Hiraṇyākṣa and the dramatic ‘cleaving’ of the ocean symbolize the re-ordering of the world after demonic disruption—an important motif around cosmic instability that can culminate in pralaya themes.

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

The verse models dharma as protection of order: just as Varāha removes a destructive force and restores stability, a king is expected to restrain aggressors and protect society; a householder, in a smaller sphere, upholds order through self-control and righteous action.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is prescribed in this verse; its practical takeaway is iconographic and devotional—Varāha’s defining feature (the tusk) is emphasized, supporting how Varāha is recognized and represented in Purāṇic temple iconography.