Shloka 165

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

Devanagari script

ततो जज्वलुरस्त्राणि ततो ऽकम्पत वाहिनी एकतस्तारको दैत्यः सुरसंघस्तु चैकतः //

Transliteration

tato jajvalurastrāṇi tato 'kampata vāhinī ekatastārako daityaḥ surasaṃghastu caikataḥ //

Translation

Then the missiles blazed forth, and the entire army shook. On one side stood the demon Tāraka, and on the other side stood the host of the gods.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then

• jajvaluḥ: blazed, flared up

• astrāṇi: weapon-missiles (divine projectiles)

• tataḥ: then

• akampata: trembled, shook

• vāhinī: army, battle-line

• ekataḥ: on one side

• tārakaḥ: Tāraka (proper name)

• daityaḥ: demon (of the Daitya clan)

• sura-saṃghaḥ: assembly/host of gods

• tu: and/indeed

• ca: also

• ekataḥ: on the other side

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator)

Entities Mentioned

• Tāraka
• Daityas
• Suras (Devas)

Tags

• Devasura war
• Divine weapons (Astra)
• Tāraka episode
• Puranic battle narrative
• Cosmic order (Dharma vs Adharma)

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it depicts a battlefield moment where divine astras blaze and the armies of gods and demons face each other, emphasizing cosmic order defended through conflict.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the kṣātra ideal of standing firm in a righteous conflict: organized forces, clear alignment of sides, and the use of sanctioned power (astra) to uphold dharma—principles often extended in the Purāṇas to kingly duty.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-rule detail appears here; the technical term is astrāṇi (weapon-missiles), highlighting the ritualized/authorized nature of divine weaponry rather than architecture.