Shloka 63

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

Devanagari script

तयासुरवरः श्रीमांस् तारकाख्यः प्रतापवान् ददाह च बलं सर्वं शुष्केन्धनमिवानलः //

Transliteration

tayāsuravaraḥ śrīmāṃs tārakākhyaḥ pratāpavān dadāha ca balaṃ sarvaṃ śuṣkendhanamivānalaḥ //

Translation

By that power (or boon), the illustrious and mighty lord of the Asuras, famed as Tāraka, burned up the entire host like fire consuming dry fuel.

Word by Word

• tayā: by her/through that (instrumental, contextually ‘by that boon/power’)

• asura-varaḥ: the best/lord among Asuras

• śrīmān: illustrious, splendid

• tāraka-ākhyaḥ: named Tāraka

• pratāpavān: powerful, radiant with might

• dadāha: burned, scorched, consumed

• ca: and

• balam: force, army, host, strength

• sarvam: all, entire

• śuṣka-indhanam: dry fuel/firewood

• iva: like

• analaḥ: fire

Speaker

• Sūta (purāṇic narrator) describing the episode

Entities Mentioned

• Tārakāsura
• Asuras

Tags

• Asura
• Deva-Asura war
• Power
• Boon
• Destruction

FAQs

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

It is not a Pralaya (cosmic dissolution) verse; it depicts localized destruction in war—Tāraka’s power annihilating armies like fire consumes dry wood.

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

Indirectly, it warns that unchecked power (often gained through boons or extraordinary means) can devastate societies; kingship ethics in the Purāṇas emphasize restraint, protection of subjects, and preventing such tyrannical destruction.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the verse uses a simile (fire and dry fuel) to communicate the speed and completeness of destruction rather than prescribing temple-building or rites.