Shloka 18

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

Devanagari script

विद्युन्माली च वेगेन विद्युन्माली इवाम्बुदः विद्युर्मालघनोन्नादो नन्दीश्वरमभिद्रुतः //

Transliteration

vidyunmālī ca vegena vidyunmālī ivāmbudaḥ vidyurmālaghanonnādo nandīśvaramabhidrutaḥ //

Translation

Vidyunmālī rushed forward with great speed—like a rain-cloud wreathed in lightning—thundering like a mass of storm-clouds as he charged straight at Nandīśvara.

Word by Word

• विद्युन्माली: Vidyunmālī (a named being, lit. “garlanded with lightning”)

• च: and

• वेगेन: with speed, impetuously

• इव: like

• अम्बुदः: a rain-cloud

• विद्युर्माल: wreathed/garlanded with lightning

• घन: dense cloud, thunder-cloud

• उन्नादः: roaring sound, thunder

• नन्दीश्वरम्: Nandīśvara (Śiva’s attendant Nandin)

• अभिद्रुतः: ran towards, charged at

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) / Purāṇic narrator describing the battle scene (likely within the Manu–Matsya frame elsewhere in the Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Vidyunmālī
• Nandīśvara (Nandin)

Tags

• Shaiva
• Battle
• Mythic imagery
• Storm-simile
• Purana narrative

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it uses storm-and-lightning imagery to convey overwhelming force and speed in a battle narrative.

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

Indirectly, it exemplifies Purāṇic ideals of courage and decisive action in the face of opposition—virtues later mapped onto kingly protection (rakṣaṇa) and steadfastness in dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is specified in this verse; its significance is primarily poetic—using lightning and thundercloud similes to intensify the scene.