Matsya Purana — Dynastic Genealogies: Paurava–Anu Lines, Shloka 58

Devanagari script

तमुह्यमानं वेगेन स्रोतसो ऽभ्याशमागतः जग्राह तं स धर्मात्मा बलिर् वैरोचनिस्तदा //

Transliteration

tamuhyamānaṃ vegena srotaso 'bhyāśamāgataḥ jagrāha taṃ sa dharmātmā balir vairocanistadā //

Translation

Nang siya’y tinatangay ng lakas ng agos ng ilog, lumapit si Bali na matuwid, anak ni Virocana, at siya’y sinunggaban at hinawakan.

Word by Word

• tam: him

• uhyamānam: being carried/borne along (swept away)

• vegena: by the force/impetus

• srotasaḥ: of the current/stream

• abhyāśam: near/close by

• āgataḥ: having come/approached

• jagrāha: seized, grasped, took hold of

• tam: him

• saḥ: he

• dharmātmā: righteous-souled, devoted to dharma

• baliḥ: Bali

• vairocaniḥ: (Bali) the son/descendant of Virocana

• tadā: then, at that time

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) recounting the episode

Entities Mentioned

• Bali
• Virocana

Tags

• Pralaya
• Rescue
• Dharma
• Flood-current
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

It depicts the peril of overwhelming waters—an experiential marker of pralaya-like conditions—where beings are swept away by uncontrollable currents, requiring protection and timely rescue.

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

Bali is described as dharmātmā, highlighting the ethical ideal that a leader or responsible person should protect others in danger—swift, practical compassion as an expression of dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct vastu or ritual procedure appears in this verse; its takeaway is ethical rather than technical—dharma expressed through immediate aid during calamity.