Shloka 111

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

Devanagari script

कन्दराणि व्यशीर्यन्त समन्तान्निर्झराणि तु ततः सा दानवेन्द्रस्य शैलमाया न्यवर्तत //

Transliteration

kandarāṇi vyaśīryanta samantānnirjharāṇi tu tataḥ sā dānavendrasya śailamāyā nyavartata //

Translation

Then the caverns split apart, and springs burst forth on every side; thereafter the demon-king’s mountain-illusion—the rock-like magical formation—came to an end.

Word by Word

• कन्दराणि (kandarāṇi): caverns, mountain-caves

• व्यशीर्यन्त (vyaśīryanta): were shattered, split asunder

• समन्तात् (samantāt): on all sides, everywhere

• निर्झराणि (nirjharāṇi): waterfalls, springs, mountain-streams

• तु (tu): indeed, and

• ततः (tataḥ): then, thereafter

• सा (sā): that (illusion)

• दानवेन्द्रस्य (dānavendrasya): of the lord of the Dānavas, demon-king

• शैलमाया (śailamāyā): mountain-illusion, rock-like magical creation

• न्यवर्तत (nyavartata): ceased, was withdrawn, came to an end.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) describing events within the Matsya Purana’s battle/illusion narrative

Entities Mentioned

• Dānavendra
• Dānava

Tags

• Asura-Maya
• Illusion
• Cosmic-Conflict
• Puranic-Myth
• Mountain

FAQs

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

It uses dissolution-like imagery—splitting caverns and sudden outflow of springs—to show the collapse of a powerful māyā (illusion), echoing Purāṇic motifs where seemingly solid forms disintegrate when divine or karmic force overturns them.

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

Indirectly, it underscores a core Purāṇic ethic: do not rely on deceptive power or appearances (māyā). For rulers and householders, steadiness in dharma is presented as more enduring than force, sorcery, or intimidation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu rule is stated, but the verse highlights natural features—caves, springs, mountain-watercourses—often treated in Vāstu and tīrtha contexts as potent landscape signs affecting site sanctity, stability, and auspiciousness.