Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — The Gods Seek Śiva’s Refuge: The Cosmic Chariot Prepared for the Burning of T...

Devanagari script

इन्द्रस्य वाह्याश्च गजाः कुमुदाञ्जनवामनाः ऐरावताद्या अपहृता देवतानां महेश्वर //

Transliteration

indrasya vāhyāśca gajāḥ kumudāñjanavāmanāḥ airāvatādyā apahṛtā devatānāṃ maheśvara //

Translation

O Maheśvara, even Indra’s riding elephants—Kumuda, Añjana, Vāmana, and those beginning with Airāvata—have been carried off from the gods.

Word by Word

• indrasya: of Indra

• vāhyāḥ: mounts/vehicles for riding

• ca: and

• gajāḥ: elephants

• kumuda-añjana-vāmanāḥ: (named) Kumuda, Añjana, Vāmana

• airāvata-ādyāḥ: beginning with Airāvata (Airāvata and others)

• apahṛtāḥ: seized, taken away

• devatānām: of the gods

• maheśvara: O Maheśvara (Śiva), great lord

Speaker

• A supplicant among the Devas (speaking to Maheśvara/Śiva in a lament or appeal)

Entities Mentioned

• Indra
• Airavata
• Maheshvara (Shiva)
• Devas

Tags

• Deva-Asura conflict
• Indra
• Divine mounts
• Cosmic order
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya; it depicts a disruption of divine order where the Devas’ royal emblems (Indra’s elephants) are forcibly taken, signaling cosmic imbalance rather than dissolution.

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

By portraying the loss of Indra’s mounts—symbols of sovereignty and protection—it indirectly emphasizes a ruler’s dharma to safeguard the realm’s strength, resources, and insignia against seizure and disorder.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-ritual rule is stated directly; the verse is primarily mythic-political symbolism, where divine vehicles represent authority and auspicious power that rites may seek to restore.