Shloka 8

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

Devanagari script

दीप्तमाकाशगं दिव्यं रथं पररथारुजम् अध्यतिष्ठद्रणाकाङ्क्षी मेरुं दीप्त इवांशुमान् //

Transliteration

dīptamākāśagaṃ divyaṃ rathaṃ pararathārujam adhyatiṣṭhadraṇākāṅkṣī meruṃ dīpta ivāṃśumān //

Translation

Yearning for battle, the radiant hero mounted that divine, sky-moving chariot—one that shattered the chariots of foes—like the blazing sun alighting upon Mount Meru.

Word by Word

• dīptam: blazing, radiant

• ākāśa-gam: moving through the sky

• divyam: divine, celestial

• ratham: chariot

• para-ratha-rujam: crusher/breaker of enemy chariots

• adhyatiṣṭhat: mounted, took his stand upon

• raṇa-ākāṅkṣī: desiring battle

• merum: Mount Meru

• dīptaḥ: blazing, luminous

• iva: like

• aṃśumān: the sun (the radiant one)

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the warrior’s action (epic-style narration within Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Meru
• Aṃśumān (Sun)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Battle
• Chariot
• Epic Simile
• Royal Valor

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya directly; it uses cosmic imagery (the Sun and Mount Meru) as a simile to magnify a warrior’s radiance and power in a battle context.

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

It reflects the kṣatriya ideal emphasized across Purāṇic ethics: a ruler/warrior should be courageous, battle-ready, and capable of protecting order—symbolized here by mounting a foe-crushing chariot with resolute intent.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the only technical motif is cosmological—Meru as the axis-mountain—used poetically to convey exalted stature and splendor.