Shloka 108

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

Devanagari script

तदा जम्भो ऽभवच्छैलो दशयोजनविस्तृतः मारुतप्रतिघातार्थं दानवानां भयापहः //

Transliteration

tadā jambho 'bhavacchailo daśayojanavistṛtaḥ mārutapratighātārthaṃ dānavānāṃ bhayāpahaḥ //

Translation

Then Jambha became a mountain, spreading across ten yojanas, in order to block the onrushing wind—dispelling the fear of the Dānavas.

Word by Word

• tadā: then

• jambhaḥ: Jambha (a Danava/Asura named Jambha)

• abhavat: became

• śailaḥ: a mountain

• daśa-yojana-vistṛtaḥ: extended ten yojanas in breadth/extent

• māruta: wind

• pratighāta: checking, repulse, obstruction

• artham: for the purpose of

• dānavānām: of the Dānavas (a class of demons/anti-gods)

• bhaya-apahaḥ: fear-removing, dispeller of fear

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) reporting the battle episode (narrative voice; not direct dialogue of Matsya-Manu in this verse)

Entities Mentioned

• Jambha
• Dānavas
• Māruta (wind)

Tags

• Danava
• Mythic battle
• Protection
• Supernatural transformation
• Puranic warfare

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it depicts a battle-like episode where a Danava (Jambha) transforms into a vast mountain to counter a wind-based threat, emphasizing protective power rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it models the ethic of protection: a leader’s role is to remove fear and provide shelter against dangers (here symbolized by the “wind”), aligning with Purāṇic ideals of guardianship and defense.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; however, the imagery of a mountain acting as a windbreak parallels a practical Vāstu idea—using barriers or massing to mitigate harsh winds and protect inhabitants.