Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — Skanda’s Consecration

Devanagari script

तारकस्य वधार्थाय जगतः कण्टकस्य वै ततश्च प्रेषयामास शक्रो लब्धसमाश्रयः //

Transliteration

tārakasya vadhārthāya jagataḥ kaṇṭakasya vai tataśca preṣayāmāsa śakro labdhasamāśrayaḥ //

Translation

Then Śakra (Indra), having secured a firm refuge and support, dispatched (his emissaries/forces) for the purpose of slaying Tāraka—indeed that ‘thorn’ afflicting the worlds.

Word by Word

• तारकस्य (tārakasya): of Tāraka

• वधार्थाय (vadhārthāya): for the purpose of slaying

• जगतः (jagataḥ): of the world(s)

• कण्टकस्य (kaṇṭakasya): of the thorn, tormentor

• वै (vai): indeed, verily

• ततः (tataḥ): then, thereafter

• च (ca): and

• प्रेषयामास (preṣayāmāsa): sent forth, dispatched

• शक्रः (śakraḥ): Śakra, Indra

• लब्ध-समाश्रयः (labdha-samāśrayaḥ): having obtained support/refuge, having secured an ally/firm backing

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) / Purāṇic narrator describing Indra’s action

Entities Mentioned

• Tāraka
• Śakra (Indra)

Tags

• Devasura
• Skanda-Katha
• Protection of the worlds
• Divine strategy
• Puranic warfare

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya directly; it depicts cosmic order being protected through Indra’s initiative to remove Tāraka, described as a ‘thorn’ to the worlds.

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

By portraying Indra acting after securing reliable support, the verse implies a dharmic leadership principle: remove sources of public harm through planned action and strong alliances rather than impulsive force.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is narrative and ethical—eliminating disruptive forces to restore stability.