Shloka 79

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

Devanagari script

मयस्तु देवान्परिरक्षितारम् उमात्मजं देववरं कुमारम् शरेण भित्त्वा स हि तारकासुतं स तारकाख्यासुरम् आबभाषे //

Transliteration

mayastu devānparirakṣitāram umātmajaṃ devavaraṃ kumāram śareṇa bhittvā sa hi tārakāsutaṃ sa tārakākhyāsuram ābabhāṣe //

Translation

But Maya, having pierced with an arrow the divine and excellent Kumāra—Umā’s son, the protector of the gods—then addressed Tāraka’s son, the asura named Tāraka.

Word by Word

mayaḥMaya (the asura/demon architect)

tubut/indeed

devānthe gods

parirakṣitāramprotector/one who safeguards

umā-ātmajamUmā’s son

deva-varambest among the gods, supremely divine

kumāramKumāra (Skanda/Kārttikeya)

śareṇawith an arrow

bhittvāhaving pierced, having struck through

sa hihe indeed/then

tārakā-sutamTāraka’s son

sahe

tāraka-ākhya-asuramthe asura named Tāraka / called Tāraka

ābabhāṣespoke, addressed

Speaker

Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing the battle; traditionally Sūta speaking to the sages)

Entities Mentioned

MayaDevasKumāra (Skanda/Kārttikeya)Umā (Pārvatī)TārakaTārakāsuta (son of Tāraka)

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it belongs to a devasura battle episode, highlighting divine intervention through Kumāra as the gods’ protector.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces the dharmic ideal of protection: just as Kumāra is called the protector of the gods, a king is expected to protect dependents and uphold order against destructive forces.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; the only potential link is the presence of Maya, later famed in Purāṇas as an asura associated with extraordinary craftsmanship and construction.