Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — The Battle at Tripura: Shiva’s Strategy

Devanagari script

अन्ये पयोधरारावाः पयोधरसमा बभुः ससिंहनादं वादित्रं वादयामासुरुद्धताः //

Transliteration

anye payodharārāvāḥ payodharasamā babhuḥ sasiṃhanādaṃ vāditraṃ vādayāmāsuruddhatāḥ //

Translation

Others gave forth thundering roars like rain-clouds; and, exalted in their fervour, they sounded instruments whose blare resounded with the roar of lions.

Word by Word

• anye: others

• payodhara-ārāvāḥ: cloud-like roars/thunderous cries (lit. ‘roars of rain-bearers’)

• payodharasamāḥ: equal to rain-clouds

• babhuḥ: became/were

• sa-siṃha-nādam: with lion-roar sound

• vāditram: musical instrument(s)

• vādayāmāsuḥ: they caused to be played/they played

• uddhatāḥ: elated, uplifted, exuberant

Speaker

• Suta (narrative voice describing the scene; celebrants/attendants are the implied agents)

Entities Mentioned

• Vāditra (musical instruments)
• Siṃhanāda (lion-roar sound)
• Payodhara (rain-cloud imagery)

Tags

• Vastu
• Pratishtha
• Mangala
• Ritual Music
• Temple Culture

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it uses rain-cloud imagery as a poetic simile for loud, auspicious celebration, likely within a ritual or ceremonial setting.

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

It reflects the dharmic ideal of supporting public rites—kings and householders are expected to sponsor and participate in auspicious ceremonies (mangala), where orderly celebration and proper ritual accompaniments (music, proclamations) mark communal merit and prosperity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse highlights mangala-vādya—auspicious instruments and powerful acclamations—commonly prescribed around temple consecration, processions, and festivals, reinforcing a ritually “charged” sound environment for sanctification.