Shloka 19

Matsya Purana — The Battle for Tripura: Portents

Devanagari script

सरथान् सायुधान् साश्वान् सवस्त्राभरणावृतान् जग्रसुस्तिमयो दैत्यान् द्रावयन्तो जलेचरान् //

Transliteration

sarathān sāyudhān sāśvān savastrābharaṇāvṛtān jagrasustimayo daityān drāvayanto jalecarān //

Translation

The timi (mighty sea-creatures) seized the Daityas—along with their chariots, weapons, horses, and with their garments and ornaments still upon them—while driving the other water-dwelling beings into flight.

Word by Word

• sa-rathān: with chariots

• sa-āyudhān: with weapons

• sa-aśvān: with horses

• sa-vastra-ābharaṇa-āvṛtān: clothed and covered with ornaments

• jagrasuḥ: they seized/devoured

• timayaḥ: timi sea-monsters/large aquatic creatures

• daityān: the Daityas (demonic clan)

• drāvayantaḥ: driving away/putting to flight

• jala-carān: water-moving beings/aquatic creatures

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting events within the Matsya–Manu deluge cycle

Entities Mentioned

• Timi (sea-creatures)
• Daityas
• Jalecaras (aquatic beings)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya Avatara
• Battle
• Daityas
• Oceanic imagery

FAQs

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

It depicts the deluge-world as violently oceanic, where even armed Daityas are overwhelmed by immense sea-creatures—an image of pralaya’s breakdown of ordinary power and order.

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

Indirectly, it underscores the Purāṇic ethic that worldly strength and wealth (weapons, vehicles, ornaments) cannot secure one during cosmic upheaval; protection lies in dharma and divine refuge rather than mere force.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule appears in this verse; its primary function is narrative—intensifying the pralaya setting with imagery of oceanic conflict.