Shloka 81

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

Devanagari script

वयं हि शस्त्रक्षतविक्षताङ्गा विशीर्णशस्त्रध्वजवर्मवाहाः जयैषिणस्ते जयकाशिनश्च गणेश्वरा लोकवराधिपाश्च //

Transliteration

vayaṃ hi śastrakṣatavikṣatāṅgā viśīrṇaśastradhvajavarmavāhāḥ jayaiṣiṇaste jayakāśinaśca gaṇeśvarā lokavarādhipāśca //

Translation

For we are warriors whose bodies are torn and scarred by weapons; our weapons are shattered, our banners and armour ruined, and our mounts broken. Yet we are seekers of victory—radiant with triumph—commanders of troops and rulers over the best of realms.

Word by Word

• vayam: we

• hi: indeed/for

• śastra-kṣata: wounded by weapons

• vikṣata-aṅgāḥ: with bodies cut and mangled

• viśīrṇa: shattered/splintered

• śastra: weapons

• dhvaja: banners/standards

• varma: armour

• vāhāḥ: mounts/vehicles/bearers

• jaya-eṣiṇaḥ: seekers of victory

• te: those/they (emphatic, referring to themselves)

• jaya-kāśinaḥ: shining with victory/victory-radiant

• gaṇa-īśvarāḥ: lords of troops/commanders

• loka-vara-adhipāḥ: rulers (adhipa) of the best (vara) realms/regions (loka).

Speaker

• Warriors/commanders speaking collectively (martial voice within the narrative frame; exact named speaker not explicit in this single verse)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Warfare
• Kshatriya Dharma
• Victory
• Army Command

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on martial identity—wounds, broken arms and standards, and the unwavering pursuit of victory and rulership.

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

It reflects Rajadharma/Kshatriya ethos: steadfastness under hardship, leadership of troops (gaṇeśvara), and responsibility for protecting and governing realms (lokavarādhipa), even after severe losses.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is referenced directly; the imagery is military—weapons, banners, armour, and mounts—used to emphasize courage and command.