Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — The Burning of Tripura and Rudra’s Victory

Devanagari script

धूमायन्तो ज्वलद्भिश्च आयुधैश्चन्द्रवर्चसैः कोपाद्वा युद्धलुब्धाश्च कुट्टयन्ते परस्परम् //

Transliteration

dhūmāyanto jvaladbhiśca āyudhaiścandravarcasaiḥ kopādvā yuddhalubdhāśca kuṭṭayante parasparam //

Translation

Smoking and blazing with moon-bright weapons, driven either by rage or by lust for battle, they strike and beat one another without restraint.

Word by Word

• धूमायन्तः: emitting smoke

• ज्वलद्भिः: with blazing (weapons/fire)

• च: and

• आयुधैः: with weapons

• चन्द्र-वर्चसैः: having moon-like splendor/gleam

• कोपात्: from anger

• वा: or

• युद्ध-लुब्धाः: eager/greedy for fighting

• च: and

• कुट्टयन्ते: they strike/beat/pummel

• परस्परम्: one another/mutually

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu (likely narrative frame)

Tags

• Kali-Yuga
• Social conflict
• Violence
• Rajadharma
• Portents

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic Pralaya; it depicts a moral and social ‘dissolution’ where people, overtaken by anger and warlike craving, turn violently upon each other.

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

It warns against kopa (rage) and yuddha-lobha (craving for conflict). For kings, it implies restraint, just war, and protection of order; for householders, it condemns violent quarrels and urges self-control to prevent social collapse.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its takeaway is ethical—unchecked aggression destroys communal stability, which is foundational for sustaining dharmic rites and orderly civic life.