Shloka 14

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

Devanagari script

गदानां मुसलानां च तोमराणां परश्वधाम् वज्रशूलर्ष्टिपातानां पट्टिशानां च सर्वतः //

Transliteration

gadānāṃ musalānāṃ ca tomarāṇāṃ paraśvadhām vajraśūlarṣṭipātānāṃ paṭṭiśānāṃ ca sarvataḥ //

Translation

On all sides there should be arrayed weapons: maces (gadā) and pestles (musala), javelins (tomara) and axes (paraśvadhā), as well as the vajra, tridents (śūla), spears (ṛṣṭi) and other missiles, and also battle-axes (paṭṭiśa).

Word by Word

• gadānām: of maces

• musalānām: of pestles/clubs

• ca: and

• tomarāṇām: of javelins/lances

• paraśvadhām: of axes

• vajra: thunderbolt/adamantine weapon

• śūla: trident/spear

• ṛṣṭi: spear/lance

• pātānām: of missiles/projectiles/throwing-weapons

• paṭṭiśānām: of battle-axes/halberds

• sarvataḥ: on all sides/everywhere

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (likely, per Matsya Purana dialogue flow in instructional chapters)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Royal security
• Weapons
• Fortification
• Protective layout

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it is a practical, prescriptive list of weapons to be arranged “on all sides,” implying defensive preparedness rather than cosmological dissolution.

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

It supports the king’s duty of protection (rakṣaṇa) by specifying readiness and strategic placement of armaments; in a broader ethical frame, it reflects governance that safeguards people and institutions.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, “sarvataḥ” suggests a perimeter-based defensive layout—stocking or positioning weapons around a protected space (fort, city, or key complex), aligning with Vastu-oriented planning for security.