Shloka 47

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

Devanagari script

योधयन्ति त्रिभागेण त्रिपुरे तु गणेश्वराः विद्युन्माली मयश्चैव मग्नौ च द्रुमवद्रणे //

Transliteration

yodhayanti tribhāgeṇa tripure tu gaṇeśvarāḥ vidyunmālī mayaścaiva magnau ca drumavadraṇe //

Translation

In Tripura, the leaders of Śiva’s hosts (Gaṇeśvaras) fought after dividing themselves into three divisions. There, Vidyunmālī and Maya—along with Maghna—stood in the battle like trees rooted in a forest, unshaken.

Word by Word

• योधयन्ति: they fight/they wage war

• त्रिभागेण: in three parts/three divisions

• त्रिपुरे: in Tripura (the triple city)

• तु: indeed/and

• गणेश्वराः: the lords of the gaṇas (Śiva’s troop-leaders)

• विद्युन्माली: Vidyunmālī (a Tripura demon/leader)

• मयः (मयश्च): Maya (the asura-architect

• चैव: and indeed

• मग्नौ: Maghna/Magna (proper name

• च: and

• द्रुमवत्: like a tree

• रणे: in battle/war.

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) recounting the Tripura battle episode (within the Matsya Purana’s narrative frame to Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Tripura
• Ganesvaras (Śiva’s gaṇa-leaders)
• Vidyunmālī
• Maya (asura architect)
• Maghna

Tags

• Tripura-dahana
• Shaiva myth
• Deva-Asura war
• Puranic battle narrative
• Matsya Purana mythology

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it depicts a war-scene in Tripura, focusing on troop-formation (three divisions) and the steadfastness of key fighters.

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

Indirectly, it models disciplined organization in conflict—acting with ordered divisions and steadiness under pressure—qualities the Purana often praises in rulers and responsible leaders.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architectural significance is only implicit through the name Maya (the famed asura-architect linked to Tripura’s construction), but this specific verse emphasizes battle posture rather than building rules or ritual procedure.