Shloka 154

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

Devanagari script

तस्मिन्विनिहते जम्भे दानवेन्द्राः पराङ्मुखाः ततस्ते भग्नसंकल्पाः प्रययुर्यत्र तारकः //

Transliteration

tasminvinihate jambhe dānavendrāḥ parāṅmukhāḥ tataste bhagnasaṃkalpāḥ prayayuryatra tārakaḥ //

Translation

When Jambha had been slain, the lords of the Dānavas turned back in retreat; and, their resolve shattered, they departed for the place where Tāraka was.

Word by Word

• tasmin: when/at that time

• vinihate: having been slain, killed

• jambhe: (in) Jambha

• dānavendrāḥ: the chiefs/lords of the Dānavas (demons)

• parāṅmukhāḥ: turned away, facing away, retreating

• tataḥ: then

• te: they

• bhagna-saṃkalpāḥ: with broken resolve, their plans shattered

• prayayuḥ: went forth, departed

• yatra: where

• tārakaḥ: Tāraka (the demon leader).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) reporting the events within the Matsya Purana’s battle narrative

Entities Mentioned

• Jambha
• Dānavas
• Dānava chiefs (Dānavendrāḥ)
• Tāraka

Tags

• Deva-Asura war
• Tāraka
• Mythic battles
• Puranic narrative
• Dānava genealogy

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it depicts a battlefield reversal—after Jambha’s death, the Dānava leaders lose heart and regroup under Tāraka.

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

Indirectly, it illustrates a political-ethical lesson common in Purāṇic storytelling: when leadership falls, morale collapses and alliances realign—warning rulers to protect commanders, maintain resolve, and plan for contingencies.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; it functions purely as narrative transition within the Tāraka-centered conflict.