Shloka 29

Matsya Purana — Solar Dynasty Prelude: Vivasvān–Saṃjñā–Chāyā

Devanagari script

पृथक्चकार तत्तेजश् चक्रं विष्णोर् अकल्पयत् त्रिशूलं चापि रुद्रस्य वज्रमिन्द्रस्य चाधिकम् //

Transliteration

pṛthakcakāra tattejaś cakraṃ viṣṇor akalpayat triśūlaṃ cāpi rudrasya vajramindrasya cādhikam //

Translation

He then differentiated that radiant power and fashioned from it Viṣṇu’s discus (cakra), Rudra’s trident (triśūla), and also Indra’s supreme thunderbolt (vajra).

Word by Word

• pṛthak-cakāra: made distinct/separated

• tat-tejaḥ: that radiance/fiery energy

• cakram: discus

• viṣṇoḥ: of Vishnu

• akalpayat: he fashioned/formed/appointed

• triśūlam: trident

• ca api: and also

• rudrasya: of Rudra (Shiva)

• vajram: thunderbolt

• indrasya: of Indra

• ca adhikam: and (made it) pre-eminent/surpassing (in might)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu
• Rudra (Shiva)
• Indra
• Sudarshana Chakra
• Trishula
• Vajra

Tags

• Cosmogony
• Divine Weapons
• Iconography
• Deva Powers
• Tejas

FAQs

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

It highlights a creation-side principle: a single cosmic tejas (radiant potency) is differentiated into specific divine powers and emblems, showing how order and function arise from undivided energy.

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

By presenting the vajra, cakra, and triśūla as ordained powers of governance and protection, it indirectly models righteous rule: authority should be structured, differentiated, and used to uphold dharma rather than as undirected force.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

These are key ayudhas (emblems) used in pratima-lakṣaṇa (iconographic specification): temples and rituals depict Vishnu with the cakra, Rudra with the triśūla, and Indra with the vajra, ensuring doctrinally correct imagery and worship.