Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — The Advent of Narasiṃha and Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Weapon-Assault

Devanagari script

वायव्यं मथनं चैव कापालमथ कैङ्करम् तथाप्रतिहतां शक्तिं क्रौञ्चमस्त्रं तथैव च //

Transliteration

vāyavyaṃ mathanaṃ caiva kāpālamatha kaiṅkaram tathāpratihatāṃ śaktiṃ krauñcamastraṃ tathaiva ca //

Translation

“(He also taught/mentioned) the Vāyavya weapon, the Mathana weapon, the Kāpāla weapon, the Kaiṅkara weapon; likewise the unfailing Śakti (spear/power), and also the Kraunca weapon.”

Word by Word

• vāyavyam: the Vāyavya astra (wind/air-force weapon)

• mathanam: the Mathana astra (churning/agitating weapon)

• ca eva: and indeed

• kāpālam: the Kāpāla astra (skull/kapāla-associated weapon, fierce/terrific in nature)

• atha: then/also

• kaiṅkaram: the Kaiṅkara astra (a named weapon

• tathā: likewise

• apratihatām: unobstructed, irresistible, unfailing

• śaktim: śakti—spear/energy-weapon/power

• krauñcam: the Kraunca astra (named weapon associated with ‘Krauñca’, famed in epic-purāṇic lore)

• astram: weapon, missile

• tatha eva ca: and also in the same manner.

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu in a continuous didactic narration (astra-nāma-saṅgraha context).

Entities Mentioned

• Vāyavya Astra
• Mathana Astra
• Kāpāla Astra
• Kaiṅkara Astra
• Śakti
• Krauñca Astra

Tags

• Astravidya
• Puranic weapons
• Manu instruction
• Divine armaments
• Matsya Purana chapter 162

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it is a technical enumeration of named astras (divine weapons) within a martial/ritual knowledge section.

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

By cataloguing astras and the idea of an ‘apratihatā śakti’ (irresistible power/weapon), the verse aligns with kṣātra-dharma themes—royal preparedness, protection, and disciplined use of sanctioned power—rather than household ritual duties.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu rule is stated here; the ritual significance is indirect—these astra-names typically presuppose mantra-invocation traditions (astra-vidyā) used in consecrations, protection rites, or martial liturgy in purāṇic culture.