Shloka 50

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

Devanagari script

चन्द्रप्रभाभिर्विपुलं युद्धाय समवर्तत पवनाविद्धनिर्घोषं संप्रदीप्तहुताशनम् //

Transliteration

candraprabhābhirvipulaṃ yuddhāya samavartata pavanāviddhanirghoṣaṃ saṃpradīptahutāśanam //

Translation

Blazing with moon-like radiance, the vast host drew itself up for battle—roaring like a fire fanned by the wind, a fully kindled conflagration.

Word by Word

• चन्द्र-प्रभाभिः (candra-prabhābhiḥ): with moon-like splendors/radiances

• विपुलम् (vipulam): vast, immense (host/force)

• युद्धाय (yuddhāya): for battle

• समवर्तत (samavartata): assembled, formed up, took position

• पवन-आविद्ध (pavana-āviddha): struck/fanned by the wind

• निर्घोषम् (nirghoṣam): roaring, resounding

• संप्रदीप्त (saṃpradīpta): fully ignited, blazing

• हुताशनम् (hutāśanam): fire (lit. “the eater of offerings”).

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) recounting the episode (within the Matsya Purana’s dynastic/itihasa narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Hutashana (Fire, metaphor)
• Pavana (Wind, metaphor)
• Chandra (Moon, metaphor)

Tags

• Battle
• Dynasties
• Poetic Simile
• Itihasa-style Narrative
• Martial Imagery

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic Pralaya directly; it uses Pralaya-like imagery (wind-fanned, all-consuming fire) as a metaphor for the army’s overwhelming, destructive momentum in battle.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the kshatriya ideal emphasized in Purāṇic narratives: disciplined mustering for righteous warfare, where force is portrayed as controlled power—assembled in order and unleashed when duty demands.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated; the only ritual term is metaphorical—"hutāśana" (sacrificial fire)—used to convey the intensity and roar of the battle-host rather than an actual rite.