Shloka 30

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

Devanagari script

गण्डशैलैश्च शैलैश्च परिघैश्चोत्तमायसैः चक्रैश्च दैत्यप्रवराश् चक्रुर् आनन्दितं बलम् //

Transliteration

gaṇḍaśailaiśca śailaiśca parighaiścottamāyasaiḥ cakraiśca daityapravarāś cakrur ānanditaṃ balam //

Translation

With massive boulders, with mountain-rocks, with iron clubs of the finest metal, and with discus-weapons too, the foremost among the Dāityas made their army exultant (and eager for battle).

Word by Word

• गण्ड-शैलैः (gaṇḍa-śailaiḥ): with huge boulders/rock-masses

• च (ca): and

• शैलैः (śailaiḥ): with rocks/mountains

• च (ca): and

• परिघैः (parighaiḥ): with iron bludgeons/clubs

• च (ca): and

• उत्तम-अयसैः (uttama-āyasaiḥ): made of excellent iron/metal

• चक्रैः (cakraiḥ): with discus-weapons (chakras)

• च (ca): and

• दैत्य-प्रवराः (daitya-pravarāḥ): the foremost of the Dāityas

• चक्रुः (cakruḥ): made/did/caused

• आनन्दितम् (ānanditam): delighted, exhilarated

• बलम् (balam): the army/force.

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) recounting the battle narrative (yuddha-varṇana)

Entities Mentioned

• Daityas

Tags

• Daitya
• Battle
• Weapons
• Puranic Warfare
• Mythology

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a battlefield vignette describing how the Dāityas armed themselves and boosted the morale of their forces.

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

Indirectly, it reflects a kṣatriya-world ethos found in Purāṇas: organized armament, discipline, and morale are portrayed as decisive factors in warfare—principles later echoed in royal duty (rājadharma) discussions.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is taught here; the technical vocabulary is martial—parigha (iron club) and cakra (discus)—useful for interpreting Purāṇic weapon terminology.