Shloka 103

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

Devanagari script

ततो जलधरैर्व्योम स्फुरद्विद्युल्लताकुलैः गम्भीरमुरजध्वानैर् आपूरितम् इवाम्बरम् //

Transliteration

tato jaladharairvyoma sphuradvidyullatākulaiḥ gambhīramurajadhvānair āpūritam ivāmbaram //

Translation

Then the sky, crowded with rain-clouds and flashing creepers of lightning, seemed as though the whole firmament were filled with deep, drum-like thunder.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then

• jaladharaiḥ: by rain-bearing clouds

• vyoma: the sky

• sphurat: flashing, quivering

• vidyut-latā: lightning-vines (streaks of lightning)

• ākulaiḥ: crowded, filled, teeming

• gambhīra: deep, resonant

• muraja: a drum (kettle-drum)

• dhvānaiḥ: with sounds, roars

• āpūritam: filled, pervaded

• iva: as if

• ambaram: the firmament, sky

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) recounting the Pralaya portents within the Matsya–Manu discourse

Entities Mentioned

• Jaladhara (rain-clouds)
• Vidyut (lightning)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Storm omens
• Cosmic portents
• Deluge narrative
• Puranic imagery

FAQs

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

It depicts the immediate atmospheric omens of impending dissolution: dense rain-clouds, violent lightning, and thunder that seems to saturate the sky—classic Purāṇic portents that precede the deluge phase of Pralaya.

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

Indirectly, it frames the urgency behind Manu’s preparedness and right action: when cosmic disorder manifests as overwhelming storms, dharmic leadership and disciplined household conduct emphasize readiness, protection of dependents, and adherence to divine counsel rather than panic.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated; however, the imagery of thunder ‘filling the sky’ functions as an auspicious/inauspicious omen marker used in Purāṇic ritual worldviews to time protective rites (śānti) and reinforce the need for sheltered, well-sited dwellings during extreme rains.