Shloka 55

Matsya Purana — The Madana-Dvādaśī Vow and the Birth of the Maruts

Devanagari script

वज्रेण सप्तधा चक्रे तं गर्भं त्रिदशाधिपः ततः सप्तैव ते जाताः कुमाराः सूर्यवर्चसः //

Transliteration

vajreṇa saptadhā cakre taṃ garbhaṃ tridaśādhipaḥ tataḥ saptaiva te jātāḥ kumārāḥ sūryavarcasaḥ //

Translation

The Lord of the Thirty (Indra) split that embryo into seven parts with his thunderbolt (vajra); from it, seven radiant sons were born—boys blazing with the splendour of the sun.

Word by Word

• vajreṇa: with the thunderbolt

• saptadhā: into seven parts/sevenfold

• cakre: made/did (split)

• tam: that

• garbham: embryo/womb-child

• tridaśa-adhipaḥ: the ruler of the thirty gods (Indra)

• tataḥ: then/from that

• sapta eva: seven indeed

• te: they/those

• jātāḥ: were born

• kumārāḥ: youths/sons

• sūrya-varcasaḥ: sun-bright, possessing solar radiance

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the event within the Matsya Purana’s mythic narration

Entities Mentioned

• Indra (Tridashadhipa)
• Vajra
• Seven kumaras (commonly linked with the Maruts in this episode)

Tags

• Deva-mythology
• Maruts
• Indra
• Divine birth
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse is not a Pralaya (dissolution) teaching; it narrates a divine birth episode—Indra’s thunderbolt action results in seven radiant sons, reflecting the Purana’s theme of cosmic order maintained through divine interventions.

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

Indirectly, it upholds the idea that rulers must protect order and act decisively when cosmic or social stability is threatened—Indra’s role as tridaśādhipa models protective sovereignty, a key ethical template echoed in Matsya Purana’s kingship ideals.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-architecture rule is stated here; ritually, the imagery of vajra (thunderbolt) and solar radiance is often invoked in protective and energizing contexts, aligning with broader Purāṇic symbolism used in rites for strength and safeguarding.