Matsya Purana — The Pushkara Manifestation, Shloka 62

Devanagari script

चतुष्पदानि सत्त्वानि तथा गावस्तु सौरभाः सुपर्णान्पक्षिणश्चैव विनता च व्यजायत //

Transliteration

catuṣpadāni sattvāni tathā gāvastu saurabhāḥ suparṇānpakṣiṇaścaiva vinatā ca vyajāyata //

Translation

അപ്പോൾ ചതുഷ്പാദ ജീവികൾ ജനിച്ചു; അതുപോലെ സുഗന്ധമുള്ള, ക്ഷീരദായിനിയായ സൗരഭ ഗോവുകളും. ചിറകുള്ള സുപർണ പക്ഷികളും; വിനതയും തന്റെ സന്തതിയെ പ്രസവിച്ചു.

Word by Word

• catuṣ-padāni: four-footed

• sattvāni: living beings/creatures

• tathā: likewise

• gāvaḥ: cows

• tu: indeed/and

• saurabhāḥ: fragrant, sweet-smelling (also: of excellent scent, yielding pleasing milk)

• suparṇān: Suparṇas, ‘fair-winged’ beings (noble birds)

• pakṣiṇaḥ: birds/winged creatures

• ca eva: and also

• vinatā: Vinatā (a mother in the lineage narratives)

• ca: and

• vyajāyata: gave birth/was born/produced.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating Purāṇic creation/genealogy to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vinatā
• Suparṇa
• Gāvaḥ (cows)
• Catuṣpada-sattvāni (quadrupeds)

Tags

• Creation
• Prajā-sarga
• Genealogy
• Mythic zoology
• Puranic cosmology

FAQs

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

This verse is a creation (sarga) detail: it lists kinds of beings produced—quadrupeds, cows, and winged Suparṇas—framing the repopulation/manifestation of life rather than describing dissolution.

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

By foregrounding cows and living creatures as part of sacred creation, it supports the Purāṇic ethic of protection (rakṣaṇa)—especially go-rakṣā (cow protection), non-cruelty toward animals, and responsible stewardship expected of rulers and householders.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule appears in this verse; its ritual takeaway is indirect—cows are central to Purāṇic ritual economy (gifts, sustenance for yajña-supporting society), reinforcing their sanctity in dharmic practice.