Shloka 44

Matsya Purana — The Battle for Tripura: Portents

Devanagari script

परश्वधेन तीक्ष्णेन स नन्दी दानवेश्वरम् तक्षयामास वै तक्षा चन्दनं गन्धदो यथा //

Transliteration

paraśvadhena tīkṣṇena sa nandī dānaveśvaram takṣayāmāsa vai takṣā candanaṃ gandhado yathā //

Translation

Then Nandī, with a keen-edged axe, hewed down the lord of the Dānavas, just as a skilled carpenter cuts fragrant sandalwood.

Word by Word

• परश्वधेन: with an axe

• तीक्ष्णेन: sharp, keen-edged

• सः: he

• नन्दी: Nandī

• दानव-ईश्वरम्: the lord of the Dānavas (daitya king)

• तक्षयामास: cut down, hewed, carved away

• वै: indeed

• तक्षा: a carpenter/woodcutter

• चन्दनम्: sandalwood

• गन्ध-दः: fragrance-giving, aromatic

• यथा: as, just like

Speaker

• Sūta (narrative voice recounting the episode)

Entities Mentioned

• Nandī
• Dānaveśvara (lord of the Dānavas)
• Paraśvadha (axe)
• Takṣā (carpenter)
• Candana (sandalwood)

Tags

• Shaiva
• Deva-Asura war
• Nandi
• Martial imagery
• Simile

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it uses a vivid simile to portray decisive destruction in battle—an image of forceful removal rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

By analogy, it supports the dharmic ideal of firm action against oppressive forces: like a skilled craftsman’s precise cut, righteous power should be applied decisively and effectively when protecting order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, the simile invokes takṣā (craftsmanship) and careful cutting of wood, indirectly echoing Vāstu/śilpa ideals of skilled, precise workmanship—even though the verse itself is a battle description.