Shloka 44

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

Devanagari script

संस्कृतो ऽयं रथो ऽस्माभिस् तव दानवशत्रुजित् इदमापत्परित्राणं देवान्सेन्द्रपुरोगमान् //

Transliteration

saṃskṛto 'yaṃ ratho 'smābhis tava dānavaśatrujit idamāpatparitrāṇaṃ devānsendrapurogamān //

Translation

“O conqueror of the enemies of the gods (slayer of the Dānava-foes), we have prepared this chariot for you. With it, protect the gods—led by Indra—in this time of calamity.”

Word by Word

• saṃskṛtaḥ: prepared/made ready

• ayam: this

• rathaḥ: chariot

• asmābhiḥ: by us

• tava: for you/your

• dānava-śatru-jit: conqueror of the enemies (who are) Dānavas, i.e., foe-slayer of the gods

• idam: this

• āpat: calamity/crisis

• paritrāṇam: protection/deliverance

• devān: the gods

• sa-indra: together with Indra

• purogamān: those led by/with Indra at the forefront

Speaker

• The Devas (gods), addressing the Dānava-foe-slaying protector (likely Indra or a divine champion in context)

Entities Mentioned

• Devas
• Indra
• Dānavas

Tags

• Pralaya
• Divine protection
• Devas vs Asuras
• Indra
• Chariot

FAQs

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

It highlights the āpada (calamitous crisis) motif common in Pralaya-adjacent passages: when cosmic or worldly danger arises, divine aid is organized (a prepared chariot) to safeguard the Devas led by Indra.

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

By analogy, it models āpat-dharma: in emergencies one must prioritize protection (paritrāṇa) of dependents and rightful order, acting decisively with prepared resources—just as a ruler safeguards his people in crisis.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated; the key ritual-courtly image is the consecrated/ready chariot (saṃskṛta ratha), symbolizing properly prepared instruments for dharmic protection during danger.