Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Śākadvīpa and Successive Dvīpas: Mountains

Devanagari script

स एव दुन्दुभिर्नाम श्यामपर्वतसंनिभः शब्दमृत्युः पुरा तस्मिन् दुन्दुभिस्ताडितः सुरैः //

Transliteration

sa eva dundubhirnāma śyāmaparvatasaṃnibhaḥ śabdamṛtyuḥ purā tasmin dundubhistāḍitaḥ suraiḥ //

Translation

That very one was named Dundubhi, dark as a blue‑black mountain. In former times he became “death by sound”: the gods struck that Dundubhi like a drum, and his thunderous roar brought terror and destruction.

Word by Word

• saḥ: he/that one

• eva: indeed/very

• dundubhiḥ: Dundubhi (proper name

• nāma: by name

• śyāma-parvata-saṃnibhaḥ: resembling a dark (blue-black) mountain

• śabda-mṛtyuḥ: death through sound / whose sound is deadly

• purā: formerly, in ancient times

• tasmin: in that matter/then

• dundubhiḥ (as drum): a dundubhi-drum

• tāḍitaḥ: struck, beaten

• suraiḥ: by the gods (Devas).

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) narrating to Vaivasvata Manu (continuing Matsya Purana dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Dundubhi
• Suras (Devas)

Tags

• Deva-Asura conflict
• Mythic episode
• Sound as weapon
• Puranic demonology
• Narrative theology

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic Pralaya; it uses the idea of overwhelming sound (‘śabda-mṛtyu’) within a demon-episode, emphasizing destructive power in a localized mythic conflict rather than universal dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it supports the ethical theme that unchecked violence and terror (here symbolized by deadly sound) must be restrained by rightful protectors; for kings, it echoes the duty to suppress forces that harm society, and for householders, it warns against causing harm through intimidation or disruptive speech.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-rule appears here; the key ritual-cultural image is the ‘dundubhi’ (drum), highlighting sound as a potent force in Puranic imagination rather than a technical architectural prescription.