Shloka 8

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

Devanagari script

तदाश्रित्य पुरं दुर्गं दानवा वरनिर्भयाः बाधन्ते ऽस्मान्महादेव प्रेष्यमस्वामिनं यथा //

Transliteration

tadāśritya puraṃ durgaṃ dānavā varanirbhayāḥ bādhante 'smānmahādeva preṣyamasvāminaṃ yathā //

Translation

Taking refuge in a fortified city, the Dānavas—made fearless by their boons—oppress us, O Mahādeva, treating us like servants who have no master.

Word by Word

• tad-āśritya: having taken refuge in that

• puram: in a city

• durgam: fortified/stronghold

• dānavāḥ: the Dānavas (a class of demons)

• vara-nirbhayāḥ: fearless due to boons

• bādhante: harass/oppress

• asmān: us

• mahādeva: O Mahādeva (Śiva)

• preṣyam: like a servant/one who is sent on errands

• a-svāminam: without a lord/protector

• yathā: as/just like

Speaker

• Supplicants (likely devas or afflicted parties) addressing Mahādeva (Śiva)

Entities Mentioned

• Mahādeva
• Dānavas

Tags

• AsuraConflict
• Boons
• Fortress
• DivineProtection
• PuranicNarrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on worldly oppression by boon-protected Dānavas and a plea for divine protection.

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

It implies the dharmic need for a strong protector (svāmin/king) who prevents subjects from being treated as helpless servants; when protection fails, people seek higher divine refuge.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it highlights the strategic role of a durga (fortified city/stronghold) as a power base; ritually, it frames a petition to Mahādeva for protection rather than detailing a specific rite.