Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — The Devasura War: Tumult

Devanagari script

न प्राज्ञायत ते ऽन्योन्यं तस्मिंस्तमसि संकुले अलक्ष्यं विसृजन्तस्ते हेतिसंघातमुद्धतम् //

Transliteration

na prājñāyata te 'nyonyaṃ tasmiṃstamasi saṃkule alakṣyaṃ visṛjantaste hetisaṃghātamuddhatam //

Translation

In that dense, bewildering darkness they could not recognize one another; seeing no mark at all, they hurled a clamorous, tumultuous barrage of weapons at random.

Word by Word

• na: not

• prājñāyata: was recognized/was discerned

• te: they

• 'nyonyam: one another

• tasmiṃs: in that

• tamasi: darkness

• saṃkule: confused, thick, chaotic

• alakṣyam: without a visible mark/without being able to identify a target

• visṛjantaḥ te: those (they) releasing/throwing

• heti-saṃghātam: a mass/volley of weapons

• uddhatam: violent, impetuous, raging

Speaker

• Likely Sūta (narrating) or the primary narrator within the Matsya Purana’s battle account; not a direct injunction passage

Tags

• Pralaya
• Battle
• Tamas
• Weapons
• Epic narrative

FAQs

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

It depicts a tamasic condition—confusion and loss of discernment—symbolic of disorder that characterizes cosmic or social breakdown, a mood often associated with dissolution or near-pralaya chaos.

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

By contrast, it underscores why dharma emphasizes clear judgment (viveka), proper identification of friend and foe, and restrained use of force—qualities expected of rulers and disciplined householders.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the takeaway is thematic—darkness and confusion are inauspicious states that ritual order and sacred space aim to dispel through clarity, orientation, and illumination.