Shloka 115

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

Devanagari script

ततः सिंहसहस्राणि निश्चेरुर्मन्त्रतेजसा कृष्णदंष्ट्राट्टहासानि क्रकचाभनखानि च //

Transliteration

tataḥ siṃhasahasrāṇi niścerurmantratejasā kṛṣṇadaṃṣṭrāṭṭahāsāni krakacābhanakhāni ca //

Translation

Then, by the blazing power of the mantra, thousands of lions burst forth—black-fanged, roaring with fierce laughter, and bearing claws that shone like saw-blades.

Word by Word

• ततः: then/thereupon

• सिंहसहस्राणि: thousands of lions

• निश्चेरुः: came forth/issued out

• मन्त्रतेजसा: by the fiery potency (tejas) of the mantra

• कृष्ण: black/dark

• दंष्ट्रा: fangs

• अट्टहासानि: loud, terrifying laughter/roars

• क्रकचाभ: like a saw/saw-like

• नखानि: claws

• च: and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution for this discourse unit)

Entities Mentioned

• Mantra-tejas
• Siṃha (lions)

Tags

• Mantra
• Protection
• Wrathful forms
• Ritual power
• Purana narrative

FAQs

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

This verse is not directly about cosmic Pralaya; it highlights a smaller-scale ‘manifestation by mantra-power,’ where protective/terrifying forms are produced through mantra-tejas.

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

It underscores that protection of society (rakṣā) is supported by disciplined sacred practice—kings and householders are advised in the Purāṇic ethos to uphold dharma through sanctioned rites, guardianship, and restraint rather than mere force.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it emphasizes mantra-tejas—the efficacious ‘heat/splendor’ generated by correct recitation and rite—often invoked for protection and warding; no direct Vāstu or temple-measurement rule is stated in this specific verse.