Shloka 26

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

Devanagari script

तारकाख्यपुरे दैत्यास् तारकाख्यपुरःसराः निर्गताः कुपितास्तूर्णं बिलादिव महोरगाः //

Transliteration

tārakākhyapure daityās tārakākhyapuraḥsarāḥ nirgatāḥ kupitāstūrṇaṃ bilādiva mahoragāḥ //

Translation

In the city called Tārakākhya, the Daityas—led by the foremost of that very city—burst forth in anger, swiftly, like great serpents emerging from their holes.

Word by Word

• tārakākhyapure: in (the city) named Tārakākhya

• daityāḥ: Daityas (demons, sons of Diti)

• tārakākhyapuraḥsarāḥ: those led by the chief/foremost of Tārakākhya (city-leaders)

• nirgatāḥ: came out, surged forth

• kupitāḥ: enraged

• tūrṇam: quickly, at once

• bilāt: from a hole/burrow

• iva: like

• mahā-uragāḥ: great serpents

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) / Purāṇic narrator (contextual narration within Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Daityas
• Tārakākhya-pura

Tags

• Daityas
• City-conflict
• Puranic narrative
• Fortified city
• Vastu context

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it depicts a sudden, forceful emergence of Daityas from a city, using a vivid simile (serpents from burrows) to convey rapid mobilization.

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

Indirectly, it underscores the political reality of threats arising from within or near cities—implying the king’s duty to maintain vigilance, intelligence, and timely defense when hostile forces surge forth.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, the imagery of beings emerging from 'bilas' (holes/burrows) echoes motifs relevant to fortified spaces and hidden passages; in a Vastu/town-planning reading, it highlights the importance of secure city design against sudden incursions.