Shloka 32

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

Devanagari script

मरुतो दिव्यगन्धर्वैर् विद्याधरगणैः सह चिक्रीडुरसिभिः शुभ्रैर् निर्मुक्तैरिव पन्नगैः //

Transliteration

maruto divyagandharvair vidyādharagaṇaiḥ saha cikrīḍurasibhiḥ śubhrair nirmuktairiva pannagaiḥ //

Translation

The Maruts sported together with the divine Gandharvas and the hosts of Vidyādharas, brandishing bright swords—like shining serpents released from their slough.

Word by Word

• मरुतः (marutaḥ): the Maruts (storm-gods)

• दिव्यगन्धर्वैः (divya-gandharvaiḥ): with divine Gandharvas

• विद्याधरगणैः (vidyādhara-gaṇaiḥ): with the groups/hosts of Vidyādharas

• सह (saha): together with

• चिक्रीडुः (cikrīḍuḥ): they played/sported

• असिभिः (asibhiḥ): with swords

• शुभ्रैः (śubhrair): bright, white, shining

• निर्मुक्तैः (nirmuktaiḥ): released, cast off (as a slough)

• इव (iva): like

• पन्नगैः (pannagaiḥ): serpents

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the scene within the Matsya Purana’s ongoing discourse

Entities Mentioned

• Maruts
• Gandharvas
• Vidyadharas
• Swords (asi)
• Serpents (pannaga)

Tags

• Celestials
• Auspicious_Omens
• Iconography
• Vastu_Shakuna
• Puranic_Poetics

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it depicts celestial beings (Maruts, Gandharvas, Vidyadharas) in an auspicious, triumphant scene, functioning more as a poetic sign of divine order and celebration than cosmic dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ideal that righteous order is mirrored by heavenly harmony: the imagery of disciplined, radiant “weapons” and divine assemblies can be read as an auspicious backdrop for dharmic rule and properly conducted rites, which kings and householders are enjoined to uphold.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse serves as an auspicious-omen motif often used in Purāṇic ritual/temple contexts: the presence of celestial hosts and radiant brilliance signals sanctity and successful proceedings, aligning with Vāstu-śakuna (favorable signs) themes rather than giving a technical building rule.