Shloka 59

Matsya Purana — Tārakāsura’s Austerity and Boon; Mobilization for War; Bṛhaspati’s Fourfold P...

Devanagari script

प्रमत्तचण्डमातंगतुरंगरथसंकुलम् प्रतस्थे ऽमरयुद्धाय बहुपत्तिपताकि तत् //

Transliteration

pramattacaṇḍamātaṃgaturaṃgarathasaṃkulam pratasthe 'marayuddhāya bahupattipatāki tat //

Translation

That army set out for war against the Immortals, crowded with frenzied, fierce elephants, horses, and chariots, and marked by many infantry divisions and fluttering banners.

Word by Word

• pramatta: frenzied, intoxicated (in battle-madness)

• caṇḍa: fierce, formidable

• mātaṅga: elephant

• turaṅga: horse

• ratha: chariot

• saṅkula: crowded, thronged

• pratasthe: set forth, marched out

• amara-yuddhāya: for the battle of the immortals (gods)

• bahu: many

• patti: infantry division/foot-soldiers

• patāki: having banners/standards

• tat: that (force/host).

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the mobilization for the Deva-war episode

Entities Mentioned

• Amaras (Devas)
• Army host (sena)

Tags

• Deva-Asura War
• Royal Army
• Battle March
• Puranic Warfare
• Dynastic Narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it depicts a military march—an army advancing toward a divine war (amara-yuddha).

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

It reflects the kshatriya/royal duty of organized defense and warfare: maintaining a disciplined force (elephants, horses, chariots, infantry) and mobilizing under standards for a righteous campaign when required.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is stated directly; the significance is martial—highlighting classical ‘chaturanga’ style forces and the emblematic use of banners (pataka) in campaigns.