Shloka 40

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

Devanagari script

वारिता दारिता बाणैर् योधास्तस्मिन्बलार्णवे निःस्वनन्तो ऽम्बुसमये जलगर्भा इवाम्बुदाः //

Transliteration

vāritā dāritā bāṇair yodhāstasminbalārṇave niḥsvananto 'mbusamaye jalagarbhā ivāmbudāḥ //

Translation

In that ocean-like surge of armed might, the warriors—checked and torn apart by arrows—roared aloud, like water-laden clouds rumbling in the rainy season.

Word by Word

• vāritā: checked, held back

• dāritā: split, torn, rent

• bāṇaiḥ: by arrows

• yodhāḥ: warriors

• tasmin: in that

• balārṇave: in the ocean of force/might (i.e., the vast host/battlefield)

• niḥsvanantaḥ: resounding, roaring

• ambu-samaye: at the time of waters (rainy season/monsoon)

• jala-garbhāḥ: having water within, water-laden

• iva: like

• ambudāḥ: clouds

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing the battle scene (narrative voice; not direct Matsya–Manu dialogue in this verse).

Entities Mentioned

• Yodhāḥ (warriors)
• Bāṇa (arrows)
• Ambuda (clouds)
• Ambu-samaya (rainy season)

Tags

• Battle
• Dynasties
• Simile
• Martial Poetry
• Matsya Purana Narrative

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic Pralaya directly; it uses Pralaya-like natural imagery—ocean and monsoon clouds—to intensify the sense of overwhelming force and tumult in battle.

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

Indirectly, it frames warfare as a grave, destructive reality where warriors are restrained and shattered by arrows—supporting the Purāṇic ethical backdrop that a king must weigh the cost of conflict and uphold dharma even amid violence.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

None explicitly; the verse is purely martial-poetic, employing nature similes (ocean, rain-clouds) rather than Vāstu or ritual procedure.