Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Description of the Daitya–Dānava War Preparations and Maya’s Divine Chariots

Devanagari script

कार्ष्णायसमयं दिव्यं लोहेषाबद्धकूबरम् तिमिरोद्गारिकिरणं गर्जन्तमिव तोयदम् //

Transliteration

kārṣṇāyasamayaṃ divyaṃ loheṣābaddhakūbaram timirodgārikiraṇaṃ garjantamiva toyadam //

Translation

Made of divine black iron, with its fittings and cross-beams firmly bound in metal, it sends forth rays as though dispelling darkness—like a rain-cloud that seems to thunder.

Word by Word

• कार्ष्णायसमयम्: made of black iron (kṛṣṇāyasa)

• दिव्यम्: divine, splendid

• लोहेषु: in/with metal parts

• आबद्ध: firmly fastened, bound

• कूबरम्: cross-beam/structural member (a binding or yoke-like beam)

• तिमिर: darkness

• उद्गारि: emitting, casting forth

• किरणम्: rays, radiance

• गर्जन्तम्: roaring, thundering

• इव: like/as if

• तोयदम्: rain-cloud (lit. ‘giver of water’)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Vastu/Pratima teaching context)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Iconography
• Metallurgy
• Pratima Lakshana
• Temple Architecture

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; instead it uses cosmic imagery—darkness and thundercloud—to convey the awe-inspiring, darkness-dispelling radiance expected of a properly made divine metal form.

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

It supports dharmic duty through correct patronage and installation of sacred images: a king or householder should commission well-constructed, ritually appropriate icons whose auspicious qualities (radiance, firmness, integrity of materials) uphold public worship and merit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse stresses proper material choice (kṛṣṇāyasa/black iron) and secure metal binding/structural fastening (ābaddha-kūbara), implying durability and correct craftsmanship as essential ritual qualifications for a consecratable image.