Shloka 26

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

Devanagari script

गन्धर्वा राक्षसा यक्षाः सकिंनरमहोरगाः नानाविधायुधाश्चित्रा दधाना हेमभूषणाः //

Transliteration

gandharvā rākṣasā yakṣāḥ sakiṃnaramahoragāḥ nānāvidhāyudhāścitrā dadhānā hemabhūṣaṇāḥ //

Translation

Gandharvas, Rakshasas, and Yakshas—together with Kinnaras and the great serpents (Mahoragas)—appeared in splendid array, bearing weapons of many kinds and adorned with ornaments of gold.

Word by Word

• गन्धर्वाः: Gandharvas (celestial musicians)

• राक्षसाः: Rakshasas (powerful, often hostile beings)

• यक्षाः: Yakshas (nature-spirits/guardians of treasures)

• स-किन्नर-महोरगाः: along with Kinnaras and Mahoragas (great serpents)

• नाना-विध-आयुधाः: having weapons of various types

• चित्राः: variegated, splendid, wondrous in appearance

• दधाना: bearing, carrying, wearing

• हेम-भूषणाः: adorned with golden ornaments

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the assembled beings within the Matsya Purana’s Pralaya-era narrative frame

Entities Mentioned

• Gandharvas
• Rakshasas
• Yakshas
• Kinnaras
• Mahoragas

Tags

• Pralaya
• Mythic armies
• Cosmic beings
• Puranic cosmology
• Iconography

FAQs

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

It does not describe dissolution mechanics directly; it sets the Pralaya-era epic atmosphere by listing the diverse classes of non-human beings who assemble, implying a cosmic-scale gathering around a major turning point.

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

Indirectly, it models Puranic political-ethical imagery: a well-ordered realm (or righteous leadership) is portrayed as one where many groups—friendly or fearsome—stand in disciplined array; the king’s dharma includes maintaining order amid diverse powers.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual procedure is stated; however, the emphasis on “splendid array,” weapons, and gold ornaments parallels iconographic conventions used in temple imagery and ceremonial descriptions (how attendant beings are portrayed in sacred art).