Matsya Purana — The Strategy to Defeat Tāraka: Pārvatī’s Birth, Shloka 92

Devanagari script

स्फुटालोके शशभृति भ्रान्तिरात्रिविहंगमे रजनीचरभूतानां संघैरावृतचत्वरे //

Transliteration

sphuṭāloke śaśabhṛti bhrāntirātrivihaṃgame rajanīcarabhūtānāṃ saṃghairāvṛtacatvare //

Translation

Lorsque la lune brille d’une clarté nette, mais que les oiseaux de nuit errent dans la confusion et que les carrefours publics sont envahis—comme recouverts—par des bandes d’êtres nocturnes, on y voit un signe de mauvais augure.

Word by Word

• sphuṭa-āloke: in clear/brilliant light

• śaśa-bhṛti: when the moon (moon-bearer) [shines]

• bhrāntiḥ: confusion, errant wandering

• rātri-vihaṃgame: of night-birds

• rajanī-cara-bhūtānām: of night-roaming beings/spirits

• saṃghaiḥ: by groups, bands

• āvṛta: covered, filled, thronged

• catvare: at the crossroads/public square.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Moon (Śaśin)
• Night-birds (rātrivihaṃga)
• Nocturnal beings/spirits (rajanīcara-bhūta)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Town Planning
• Omens
• Crossroads
• Night Signs

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it treats observable omens—disorder at night despite clear moonlight—as a sign of unseen disturbance affecting a settlement.

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

For a king or civic authority, a crossroads overrun by night-roaming forces symbolizes breakdown of public order and protection; it signals the need for vigilance, pacificatory rites, and restoring safety in public spaces.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The catvara (crossroads/public square) is a key node in Vastu-based civic layout; abnormal nocturnal activity there is treated as a Vastu/omen indicator, often prompting śānti (appeasement) measures and corrective planning or cleansing rites.