Shloka 5

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

Devanagari script

स्वक्षं रथवरोदारं सूपस्थं गगनोपमम् गदापरिघसम्पूर्णं मूर्तिमन्तमिवार्णवम् //

Transliteration

svakṣaṃ rathavarodāraṃ sūpasthaṃ gaganopamam gadāparighasampūrṇaṃ mūrtimantamivārṇavam //

Translation

With well-made axles, a splendid and spacious chariot—well-seated and vast like the sky—fully furnished with mace and iron club, it appeared like the ocean itself given bodily form.

Word by Word

• svakṣam: having good/strong axles

• ratha-vara-udāram: an excellent chariot, noble and spacious

• su-upastham: with a fine seat/platform, well-provided with seating

• gagana-upamam: comparable to the sky (vast)

• gadā: mace

• parigha: iron club/bar (weapon)

• sampūrṇam: completely filled/furnished

• mūrtimantam: embodied, having a tangible form

• iva: as if/like

• arṇavam: the ocean/sea

Speaker

• Suta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s account in discourse form)

Entities Mentioned

• Chariot (Ratha)
• Gadā (mace)
• Parigha (iron club)
• Arṇava (ocean)

Tags

• Iconography
• Weapons
• Divine Imagery
• Ratha
• Pratima Lakshana

FAQs

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

It uses cosmic similes—sky and ocean—to convey immeasurable vastness and power; while not describing Pralaya directly, the “ocean embodied” image resonates with flood-and-cosmos symbolism common in Pralaya theology.

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

By foregrounding the chariot and weapons, it aligns with kṣatriya ideals in Purāṇic ethics: readiness to protect dharma, maintain order, and uphold righteous governance through disciplined strength.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse functions as a lakṣaṇa-style description (defining features): it models how sacred or royal objects are to be envisioned—proportionate, “well-made,” complete with attributes—principles also applied in consecration imagery and iconographic specification.