Shloka 38

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

Devanagari script

सव्येनालम्ब्य महतीं सर्वासुरविनाशिनीम् करेण कालीं वपुषा शत्रुकालप्रदां गदाम् //

Transliteration

savyenālambya mahatīṃ sarvāsuravināśinīm kareṇa kālīṃ vapuṣā śatrukālapradāṃ gadām //

Translation

With the left hand (the image should be shown) supporting a great mace—dark-hued in appearance—one that destroys all the Asuras and brings the appointed hour of death to enemies.

Word by Word

• savyeṇa: with the left (hand)

• ālambya: holding/supporting

• mahatīm: great, massive

• sarva-asura-vināśinīm: destroyer of all demons

• kareṇa: by the hand

• kālīm: dark/black-hued

• vapuṣā: in form/appearance

• śatru-kāla-pradām: bestowing the (fatal) time of death upon enemies

• gadām: mace

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) describing iconographic rules as taught in the Matsya Purana tradition

Entities Mentioned

• Gadā (mace)
• Asuras

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Weapons
• Temple Art
• Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it gives iconographic symbolism—divine power that annihilates demonic forces and enforces cosmic order, which is thematically aligned with restoration after chaos.

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

By portraying the mace as the destroyer of asuras and the bringer of an enemy’s ‘time,’ the verse supports the Purāṇic ethic that rulers must uphold dharma by restraining adharma and protecting society.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It functions as a Pratimā-lakṣaṇa instruction: in temple sculpture or consecrated images, the deity’s left hand should be shown supporting a large, dark mace, specifying a canonical attribute for correct installation and worship.