Shloka 121

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

Devanagari script

सैन्येषु ग्रस्यमानेषु दानवेन बलीयसा शक्रो दैन्यं समापन्नः श्रान्तबाहुः सवाहनः //

Transliteration

sainyeṣu grasyamāneṣu dānavena balīyasā śakro dainyaṃ samāpannaḥ śrāntabāhuḥ savāhanaḥ //

Translation

As the armies were being devoured by a stronger Dānava, Śakra (Indra) fell into misery—his arms weary—along with his mount.

Word by Word

• सैन्येषु: among the armies

• ग्रस्यमानेषु: while being swallowed/devoured, being overwhelmed

• दानवेन: by a Dānava (demon, descendant of Danu)

• बलीयसा: by the stronger/mightier one

• शक्रः: Śakra (Indra)

• दैन्यम्: wretchedness, dejection

• समापन्नः: having come to, having fallen into

• श्रान्तबाहुः: with fatigued arms

• सवाहनः: together with (his) vehicle/mount (i.e., still mounted, with his vāhana).

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narration, traditionally Sūta conveying the account)

Entities Mentioned

• Śakra (Indra)
• Dānava

Tags

• Deva-Asura war
• Indra
• Crisis
• Puranic battle narrative
• Matsya Purana episodes

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it depicts a battlefield crisis where Indra’s forces are overwhelmed by a powerful Dānava, emphasizing decline in fortune rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

By showing even Indra facing exhaustion and adversity, the verse underscores a key Purāṇic ethic: rulers must endure reversals with resolve, seek proper counsel and righteous means, and not abandon duty when strength and morale falter.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-architecture, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its focus is martial narrative and the psychological state of Indra amid defeat.