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

ചന്ദ്രൻ തെളിഞ്ഞ പ്രകാശത്തോടെ തിളങ്ങുമ്പോഴും രാത്രിപ്പക്ഷികൾ ആശയക്കുഴപ്പത്തിൽ അലഞ്ഞു, ചത്വരങ്ങൾ രാത്രിചര ഭൂതസംഘങ്ങളാൽ മൂടപ്പെടുമ്പോൾ—അത് അശുഭലക്ഷണമെന്നു കരുതപ്പെടുന്നു।

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.