Shloka 21

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

Devanagari script

तम् एवंवादिनं दैत्यं नन्दीशस्तपतां वरः उवाच प्रहरंस्तत्र वाक्यालंकारकोविदः //

Transliteration

tam evaṃvādinaṃ daityaṃ nandīśastapatāṃ varaḥ uvāca praharaṃstatra vākyālaṃkārakovidaḥ //

Translation

To that Daitya who spoke in such a manner, Nandīśa—foremost among ascetics—replied then and there, striking as he spoke, being skilled in the ornament and force of speech.

Word by Word

• tam: that (one)

• evaṃ-vādinam: speaking thus, speaking in that manner

• daityam: demon (Daitya)

• nandīśaḥ: Nandīśa (Nandin/Nandikeśvara)

• tapatām varaḥ: best of ascetics (lit. of those who practise tapas)

• uvāca: said, spoke

• praharaṃs: striking, smiting

• tatra: there, on that spot

• vākya-alaṅkāra-kovidaḥ: expert in rhetorical ornamentation/figures of speech (skilled in well-crafted expression).

Speaker

• Nandīśa (Nandin/Nandikeśvara), attendant of Śiva

Entities Mentioned

• Nandīśa
• Daitya

Tags

• Shaiva
• Dharma
• Admonition
• Dialogue
• Tapas

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it highlights moral and narrative conflict—an ascetic authority (Nandīśa) correcting a daitya through both action and disciplined speech.

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

It models dharmic correction: wrongdoing and arrogant speech should be restrained by principled authority—firmly (praharaṃs) yet with measured, skillful words (vākyālaṅkāra-kovidaḥ).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vastu/temple-rule detail appears here; the ritual takeaway is the Purāṇic ideal of tapas-backed authority and disciplined speech used to uphold dharma.