Shloka 44

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

Devanagari script

अनाहताश्च वियति देवदुन्दुभयस्तथा नदन्तो मेघशब्देन शरभा इव रोषिताः //

Transliteration

anāhatāśca viyati devadundubhayastathā nadanto meghaśabdena śarabhā iva roṣitāḥ //

Translation

In the sky, the divine kettledrums (devadundubhi) resounded of their own accord, roaring with a thunder-like sound—like śarabhas roused to fury.

Word by Word

• anāhatāḥ: unstruck, sounding without being beaten

• ca: and

• viyati: in the sky/firmament

• deva-dundubhayaḥ: divine drums (celestial kettledrums)

• tathā: likewise/indeed

• nadantaḥ: roaring, resounding loudly

• megha-śabdena: with the sound of clouds/thunder

• śarabhāḥ: śarabhas (a mighty mythical beast)

• iva: like

• roṣitāḥ: enraged, stirred to wrath

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) recounting the portentous signs described in the Matsya Purana’s ritual/temple context

Entities Mentioned

• Devadundubhi
• Śarabha

Tags

• Omens
• Temple Ritual
• Iconography
• Auspicious Signs
• Devalaya

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing Pralaya; it depicts auspicious, otherworldly sounds (divine drums in the sky) that function as portents confirming the power and sanctity of a sacred event.

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

It supports the Purāṇic ethic of recognizing and honoring auspicious signs during dharmic acts—kings and householders are encouraged to sponsor and conduct rites (especially temple worship and consecrations) with attentiveness to such omens as indicators of ritual success.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The “unstruck” celestial drum-sound is a classic consecration/ritual omen: in temple-building, installation (pratiṣṭhā), or major pūjā sequences, such signs are treated as confirmation that the rite is properly performed and divinely approved.