Shloka 28

Matsya Purana — Omens in Tripura and the Nārada–Maya Dialogue on Dharma

Devanagari script

अट्टालकेषु च तथा तिष्ठध्वं शस्त्रपाणयः दंशिता युद्धसज्जाश्च तिष्ठध्वं प्रोद्यतायुधाः //

Transliteration

aṭṭālakeṣu ca tathā tiṣṭhadhvaṃ śastrapāṇayaḥ daṃśitā yuddhasajjāśca tiṣṭhadhvaṃ prodyatāyudhāḥ //

Translation

“Likewise, take your positions upon the ramparts and watchtowers, weapons in hand. Fully armored and ready for battle, stand firm with your weapons raised and prepared.”

Word by Word

• aṭṭālakeṣu: on the watchtowers/ramparts

• ca: and

• tathā: likewise/also

• tiṣṭhadhvam: stand (all of you), take position

• śastra-pāṇayaḥ: having weapons in hand/armed

• daṃśitāḥ: armored, mail-clad, fully equipped

• yuddha-sajjāḥ: prepared for battle

• ca: and

• tiṣṭhadhvam: stand firm

• prodyata-āyudhāḥ: with weapons lifted/brandished, ready to strike

Speaker

• Instructional narrator voice within the Rajadharma discourse (military/fort-defense directives, traditionally framed by Sūta conveying the Purāṇic teaching)

Entities Mentioned

• Fort watchtowers (aṭṭālaka)
• Armed guards/soldiers

Tags

• Rajadharma
• FortDefense
• Durganiti
• Warfare
• CitySecurity

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on practical wartime readiness—posting armed, armored defenders on fort watchtowers.

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

It reflects the king’s rajadharma to ensure public safety: organizing disciplined guards, maintaining fort defenses, and keeping forces equipped and battle-ready.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it implies the strategic use of aṭṭālakas (watchtowers/ramparts) as integral fort elements designed for surveillance and defense positions.