Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — The Array of the Gods: Description of the Vaiṣṇava Host and the Lokapālas

Devanagari script

वरुणः पाशधृङ् मध्ये देवानीकस्य तस्थिवान् युद्धवेलामभिलषन् भिन्नवेल इवार्णवः //

Transliteration

varuṇaḥ pāśadhṛṅ madhye devānīkasya tasthivān yuddhavelāmabhilaṣan bhinnavela ivārṇavaḥ //

Translation

Varuṇa, bearing his noose, stood in the midst of the gods’ host—yearning for the moment of battle—like the ocean when its boundary (shoreline) is breached.

Word by Word

• वरुणः: Varuṇa (lord of waters)

• पाश-धृक्: holding the noose

• मध्ये: in the middle

• देव-अनीकस्य: of the army/host of the gods

• तस्थिवान्: stood/was stationed

• युद्ध-वेलाम्: the time/tide of battle

• अभिलषन्: desiring/longing for

• भिन्न-वेलः: with its boundary/shore broken (or: with the ‘tide/limit’ split)

• इव: like

• अर्णवः: ocean/sea.

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing the battle scene

Entities Mentioned

• Varuṇa
• Devas (gods)
• Pāśa (noose weapon)

Tags

• Devāsura war
• Battle imagery
• Varuṇa
• Divine weapons
• Ocean simile

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it uses an ocean image (“like the sea when its boundary is breached”) to convey Varuṇa’s surging, unstoppable battle-intent.

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

Indirectly, it models steadfast readiness and disciplined force: Varuṇa stands positioned within the divine host, suggesting that rightful authority should be prepared, centered, and purposeful when confronting disorder.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the key motif is iconographic—Varuṇa is identified by his pāśa (noose), a standard marker used in Purāṇic deity descriptions.