Shloka 199

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

Devanagari script

व्यशीर्यत ततः काये नीलोत्पलमिवाश्मनि ततो वज्रं महेन्द्रस्तु प्रमुमोचार्चितं चिरम् //

Transliteration

vyaśīryata tataḥ kāye nīlotpalamivāśmani tato vajraṃ mahendrastu pramumocārcitaṃ ciram //

Translation

Then his body began to split apart—like a blue lotus crushed upon a stone. Thereupon great Indra (Mahendra) released the Vajra, the thunderbolt long revered and consecrated.

Word by Word

• व्यशीर्यत: was torn apart/split asunder

• ततः: then/thereupon

• काये: in the body

• नीलोत्पलम्: blue lotus

• इव: like/as

• अश्मनि: on a stone/rock

• ततः: then

• वज्रम्: the thunderbolt (Vajra)

• महेन्द्रः: great Indra

• तु: indeed

• प्रमुमोच: released/let fly

• अर्चितम्: worshipped/revered/consecrated

• चिरम्: for a long time/long since

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the event within the Matsya Purana’s narrative frame

Entities Mentioned

• Mahendra (Indra)
• Vajra

Tags

• Indra
• Vajra
• Battle narrative
• Puranic simile
• Divine weapon

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic pralaya; it depicts bodily destruction in a battle scene, emphasizing the irresistible force of Indra’s consecrated Vajra through a vivid simile.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ethic that rightful authority must wield force as a last resort and with sanctified purpose—symbolized by Indra’s long-revered weapon—rather than through impulsive violence.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The explicit ritual note is that the Vajra is ‘arcita’ (worshipped/consecrated), highlighting the Purāṇic idea that weapons (and by extension tools used in rites or royal duty) are empowered through proper sanctification.