Shloka 156

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

Devanagari script

सावलेपं ससंरम्भं सगर्वं सपराक्रमम् साविष्कारमनाकारं तारको भावमाविशत् //

Transliteration

sāvalepaṃ sasaṃrambhaṃ sagarvaṃ saparākramam sāviṣkāramanākāraṃ tārako bhāvamāviśat //

Translation

Tāraka entered into a state of mind marked by self-conceit and heated impetuosity—full of pride and aggressive prowess—openly displayed, and unrestrained by any modest form.

Word by Word

• sa-avalepam: with arrogance/self-conceit

• sa-saṃrambham: with rash agitation/impetuous fury

• sa-garvam: with pride

• sa-parākramam: with valor/forceful prowess

• sa-āviṣkāram: with open display/manifest show

• an-ākāram: without restraint or proper form (uncomposed, unmodulated)

• tārakaḥ: Tāraka (the asura/demon)

• bhāvam: a state of mind/temper

• āviśat: entered, became possessed of

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator in the Matsya Purana’s discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Tāraka

Tags

• Asura
• Pride
• Anger
• DevasuraConflict
• Mythology

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it depicts Tāraka’s inner transformation into prideful, aggressive arrogance—an ethical-psychological motif rather than a cosmological event.

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

By portraying the mind seized by garva (pride) and saṃrambha (rash fury), it implicitly warns rulers and householders that unchecked ego and impulsive aggression destroy discernment (nīti) and lead to adharma-driven action.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated here; the focus is character-description—how destructive emotions become “manifest” (āviṣkāra) and shape conduct.