Shloka 160

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

Devanagari script

सज्जं मातलिना गुप्तं रथमिन्द्रस्य तेजसा तप्तहेमपरिष्कारं महारत्नसमन्वितम् //

Transliteration

sajjaṃ mātalinā guptaṃ rathamindrasya tejasā taptahemapariṣkāraṃ mahāratnasamanvitam //

Translation

Indra’s chariot stood fully prepared—guarded by Mātali and empowered by Indra’s own radiance—adorned with fittings of refined, heated gold and enriched with great jewels.

Word by Word

• sajjam: ready, prepared

• mātalinā: by Mātali (Indra’s charioteer)

• guptam: protected, guarded

• ratham: chariot

• indrasya: of Indra

• tejasā: by splendor, fiery energy, radiance

• tapta: heated, refined

• hema: gold

• pariṣkāram: ornamentation, fittings, embellishing work

• mahā: great

• ratna: jewels, gems

• samanvitam: furnished with, endowed with

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing the scene within the ongoing narration

Entities Mentioned

• Indra
• Mātali

Tags

• Divine chariot
• Devas
• Iconography
• Royal imagery
• Celestial splendor

FAQs

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

This verse does not speak about Pralaya; it emphasizes divine majesty—Indra’s tejas (radiant power) and the celestial preparedness of his chariot.

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

Indirectly, it models royal ideals: readiness (sajjam), vigilant protection (guptam), and splendor grounded in power (tejas). In Purāṇic ethics, such imagery supports the kingly duty of maintaining order with preparedness and guarded strength.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not Vāstu-specific, the verse provides iconographic detail—gold fittings and jewel inlay—useful for designing or interpreting temple art, murals, and ritual processional imagery depicting divine vehicles (vāhanas/rathas).