Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — Maya’s War-Counsel to the Danavas and the Moonlit Revels in Tripura

Devanagari script

काले तस्मिन्पुरे यस्तु संभावयति संहतिम् स एनं कारयेच्चूर्णं बलिनैकैषुणा सुरः //

Transliteration

kāle tasminpure yastu saṃbhāvayati saṃhatim sa enaṃ kārayeccūrṇaṃ balinaikaiṣuṇā suraḥ //

Translation

At that time in the city, whoever perceives the enemy’s compact formation (saṃhati) should have a mighty hero reduce it to powder with a single arrow.

Word by Word

• kāle: at the time

• tasmin: in that

• pure: in the city/fortified town

• yaḥ tu: whoever indeed

• saṃbhāvayati: observes/recognizes/anticipates

• saṃhatim: a compact formation, massed array, consolidated force

• saḥ: he

• enam: this (formation/force)

• kārayet: should cause (to be done), should have (it) made

• cūrṇam: powder, pulverized state

• balinā: by a strong/mighty (man/warrior)

• eka-iṣuṇā: with a single arrow

• suraḥ: a hero, valiant man (lit. ‘godlike’).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Tags

• Matsya Purana
• Vastuvidya
• Fortification
• Royal Duty
• Protective Rites
• Military Strategy

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic pralaya; it concerns practical protection of a city—recognizing a hostile massed force and neutralizing it swiftly.

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

It reflects the king’s duty of rakṣaṇa (protection): vigilance in identifying threats and decisive action to safeguard the town and its people.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Within Vastuvidya’s broader city-protection context, it implies defensive preparedness for a fortified settlement—integrating surveillance and rapid response as part of town security practice.