Shloka 100

Matsya Purana — The Slaying of Jambha and the Rise of Tāraka: Divine Battle Formations

Devanagari script

आग्नेयमस्त्रमकरोद् बलवान्पाकशासनः तेनास्त्रेण तदस्त्रं च बभ्रंशे तदनन्तरम् //

Transliteration

āgneyamastramakarod balavānpākaśāsanaḥ tenāstreṇa tadastraṃ ca babhraṃśe tadanantaram //

Translation

Then the mighty Pākaśāsana (Indra) unleashed the Agneya weapon; by that weapon the opposing missile was immediately struck down and made to fall.

Word by Word

• आग्नेयम्: the Agneya (fire) weapon

• अस्त्रम्: missile/astral weapon

• अकरोत्: he deployed/let loose

• बलवान्: mighty, powerful

• पाकशासनः: Pākaśāsana (Indra, chastiser of Pāka)

• तेन: by that

• अस्त्रेण: by the weapon

• तत्-अस्त्रम्: that (opposing) weapon/missile

• च: and

• बभ्रंशे: fell down, was brought to ruin/was neutralized

• तत्-अनन्तरम्: immediately thereafter.

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the battle episode

Entities Mentioned

• Pākaśāsana (Indra)
• Agneya Astra

Tags

• Astras
• Divine warfare
• Indra
• Counter-weapon
• Puranic battle

FAQs

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

Nothing directly—this verse is about divine warfare mechanics (astra and counter-astra), not cosmic dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it models the kṣatriya ideal of strategic restraint: threats are met with appropriate countermeasures, emphasizing protection and decisive neutralization rather than uncontrolled violence.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-ritual rule is stated here; the technical focus is on astras (invoked weapons) and their neutralization in a battle setting.