Shloka 94

Matsya Purana — Narasimha’s Victory over Hiraṇyakaśipu and the Catalogue of Apocalyptic Omens

Devanagari script

देवारिर्दितिजो वीरो नृसिंहं समुपाद्रवत् समुत्पत्य ततस्तीक्ष्णैर् मृगेन्द्रेण महानखैः तदोंकारसहायेन विदार्य निहतो युधि //

Transliteration

devārirditijo vīro nṛsiṃhaṃ samupādravat samutpatya tatastīkṣṇair mṛgendreṇa mahānakhaiḥ tadoṃkārasahāyena vidārya nihato yudhi //

Translation

The heroic Diti-born foe of the gods rushed toward Narasiṃha. Then the Lion-lord sprang up and, with his sharp, mighty claws—assisted by the sacred syllable Oṁ—tore him apart and slew him in battle.

Word by Word

• deva-ariḥ: enemy of the gods

• ditijaḥ: born of Diti (a Daitya)

• vīraḥ: hero/valiant one

• nṛsiṁham: Narasiṃha

• samupādravat: rushed/charged at

• samutpatya: leaping up/springing forth

• tataḥ: then

• tīkṣṇaiḥ: sharp

• mṛgendrēṇa: by the lord of beasts (lion), i.e., Narasiṃha

• mahānakhaiḥ: with great claws

• tad-oṁkāra-sahāyena: with the aid/support of that Oṁkāra (the syllable Oṁ)

• vidārya: tearing asunder/rending

• nihataḥ: slain

• yudhi: in battle.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the episode in the Matsya Purana’s narrative flow

Entities Mentioned

• Narasiṃha
• Daitya (Ditija)
• Devas
• Oṁkāra (Praṇava)

Tags

• Narasiṃha
• Daitya
• Divine combat
• Praṇava
• Avatara

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya or cosmological dissolution; it highlights divine intervention through Narasiṃha’s battle, emphasizing protection of cosmic order (dharma) rather than cosmic destruction.

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

By portraying the defeat of a “deva-ari” (enemy of the gods), the verse reinforces the ethical model that rulers and householders should uphold dharma by resisting adharma—using rightful strength and devotion (symbolized by Oṁ) rather than cruelty or lawlessness.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-measurement rule appears directly, but the mention of Oṁkāra points to ritual theology: Oṁ (Praṇava) is treated as a sacred support-power, aligning action with mantra and sanctified intent.