Shloka 31

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

Devanagari script

प्रासैः पाशैश्च खड्गैश्च गदाभिर्मुसलैस्तथा वज्रैरशनिभिश्चैव साग्निभिश्च महाद्रुमैः //

Transliteration

prāsaiḥ pāśaiśca khaḍgaiśca gadābhirmusalaistathā vajrairaśanibhiścaiva sāgnibhiśca mahādrumaiḥ //

Translation

With spears and nooses, with swords, with maces and clubs as well; with thunderbolt-like weapons and lightning strikes, and also with blazing great trees, (they fought/assailed one another).

Word by Word

• प्रासैः: with spears

• पाशैः: with nooses/ropes

• च: and

• खड्गैः: with swords

• गदाभिः: with maces

• मुसलैः: with clubs/pestles

• तथा: likewise/also

• वज्रैः: with thunderbolts/adamantine weapons

• अशनिभिः: with lightning bolts

• चैव: and indeed/also

• साग्निभिः: with fire/flaming (objects)

• महाद्रुमैः: with great trees (as weapons).

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) recounting the battle narrative (likely within the Matsya Purana’s continuous discourse)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Dandaniti
• Yuddha
• Weapons
• Epic-style narration

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a martial catalogue of weapons used in combat, typical of a battle description section.

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

It aligns with Rajadharma/Dandaniti themes by depicting instruments of force used in conflict—contextually supporting the Purana’s broader discussion that rulers may need disciplined martial power to protect order (dharma), though this specific line focuses on the weaponry itself.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vastu or ritual procedure appears here; the verse is purely a description of weapons and violent engagement (including improvised weapons like flaming trees).