Shloka 20

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

Devanagari script

अरिष्टो बलिपुत्रश्च वरिष्ठो ऽद्रिशिलायुधः युद्धायाभिमुखस्तस्थौ धराधरविकम्पनः //

Transliteration

ariṣṭo baliputraśca variṣṭho 'driśilāyudhaḥ yuddhāyābhimukhastasthau dharādharavikampanaḥ //

Translation

Ariṣṭa, the son of Bali, and Variṣṭha—whose weapon was a rock from the mountain—stood facing the battle, causing the very earth and its supporting mountains to tremble.

Word by Word

• अरिष्टः (ariṣṭaḥ): Ariṣṭa (a named warrior)

• बलिपुत्रः (baliputraḥ): son of Bali

• च (ca): and

• वरिष्ठः (variṣṭhaḥ): Variṣṭha (a named warrior)

• अद्रिशिलायुधः (adri-śilā-yudhaḥ): one whose weapon is a mountain-rock/stone

• युद्धाय (yuddhāya): for battle

• अभिमुखः (abhimukhaḥ): facing toward, confronting

• तस्थौ (tasthau): stood, took position

• धराधर (dharā-dhara): earth and the mountain-bearers/supporting mountains

• विकम्पनः (vikampanaḥ): shaking, causing to quake.

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the warriors within the dynastic/Daitya narrative frame

Entities Mentioned

• Ariṣṭa
• Bali
• Variṣṭha

Tags

• Dynasties
• Daityas
• Battle
• Genealogy
• Puranic Warfare

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it uses cosmic-scale imagery (earth and mountains trembling) to magnify the force of warriors in a battle narrative.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the Purāṇic ideal of kṣātra energy—standing firm and facing conflict. In a dharma framework, such power is meant to be governed by righteous purpose rather than mere violence.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is taught here; the mention of mountains and stones functions as martial imagery (a rock-weapon) rather than temple-building or consecration guidance.