Shloka 20

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

Devanagari script

एत एकादशानन्तबला रुद्राः प्रभाविणः पालयन्तो बलस्याग्रे दारयन्तश्च दानवान् //

Transliteration

eta ekādaśānantabalā rudrāḥ prabhāviṇaḥ pālayanto balasyāgre dārayantaśca dānavān //

Translation

These eleven Rudras, of immeasurable might and radiant power, stood guarding at the very front of the army, crushing the Dānavas (demonic foes).

Word by Word

• ete: these

• ekādaśa: eleven

• ananta-balāḥ: of endless/immeasurable strength

• rudrāḥ: the Rudras (fierce forms/attendants of Śiva)

• prabhāviṇaḥ: powerful, splendid, efficacious

• pālayantaḥ: protecting, guarding

• balasya: of the army/force

• agre: in front, at the forefront

• dārayantaḥ: tearing apart, crushing, rending

• ca: and

• dānavān: the Dānavas (a class of Asuras)

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the Purāṇic account

Entities Mentioned

• Rudras
• Dānavas

Tags

• Rudras
• Deva-Asura War
• Cosmology
• Divine Hosts
• Protection

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights the cosmic function of divine forces—here, the Rudras—as protectors who restrain destructive demonic powers, supporting cosmic order.

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

By portraying the Rudras guarding the army’s front, it models leadership and protection: a king should place capable protectors at the forefront, defend society from harmful forces, and uphold order (dharma) through strength guided by responsibility.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or temple-ritual rule is stated; indirectly, Rudras as protective deities align with ritual notions of guardianship (rakṣā) invoked in consecrations and protective rites.