Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — The Burning of Tripura: Maya’s Triple Fortresses and the Boon that Leads to S...

Devanagari script

तस्माद्दुर्गविधानं हि क्षणादपि विधीयताम् पितामहवचः श्रुत्वा तदैवं दानवो मयः //

Transliteration

tasmāddurgavidhānaṃ hi kṣaṇādapi vidhīyatām pitāmahavacaḥ śrutvā tadaivaṃ dānavo mayaḥ //

Translation

“Therefore, let the construction and arrangement of the fortifications be undertaken at once, without delay even for a moment.” Having heard the words of Pitāmaha (Brahmā), the Dānava Maya acted immediately in that very manner.

Word by Word

• tasmāt: therefore

• durga-vidhānam: the arranging/building of a fort (defensive works)

• hi: indeed

• kṣaṇāt api: even for a moment

• vidhīyatām: let it be carried out/ordained/undertaken

• pitāmaha-vacaḥ: the words/instruction of Pitāmaha (Brahmā)

• śrutvā: having heard

• tadā: then

• evaṁ: thus/in that manner

• dānavaḥ: the Dānava (demon-clan being)

• mayaḥ: Maya (the famed architect).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the episode within the Vastuvidya discourse (instructional narrative about Maya following Brahmā’s directive)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitāmaha (Brahmā)
• Maya (Dānava architect)

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Durga
• Fortification
• Town planning
• Command and execution

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it emphasizes prompt execution of Brahmā’s directive in the practical sphere of fortification and protective construction.

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

It supports the king’s duty of protection (rakṣaṇa): defensive infrastructure should be implemented immediately when wise authority prescribes it, prioritizing public safety and stability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it stresses urgency in durga-vidhāna—systematic fort-building and defensive planning—presenting Maya as the expert executor who follows Brahmā’s technical instruction.