Shloka 57

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

Devanagari script

पलायितेषु सैन्येषु सुराणां पाकशासनः तस्थौ दिक्पालकैः सार्धम् अष्टभिः केशवेन च //

Transliteration

palāyiteṣu sainyeṣu surāṇāṃ pākaśāsanaḥ tasthau dikpālakaiḥ sārdham aṣṭabhiḥ keśavena ca //

Translation

When the armies of the gods had fled, Indra—the chastiser of Pāka—stood firm together with Keśava and the eight guardians of the directions.

Word by Word

• palāyiteṣu: when (they) had fled

• sainyeṣu: in/among the armies

• surāṇām: of the gods

• pākaśāsanaḥ: Pāka’s chastiser (Indra)

• tasthau: stood (firm), remained

• dikpālakaiḥ: with the guardians of the directions

• sārdham: together, in company

• aṣṭabhiḥ: with the eight

• keśavena: with Keśava (Viṣṇu)

• ca: and

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) describing events

Entities Mentioned

• Indra (Pākaśāsana)
• Keśava (Viṣṇu)
• Dikpālas (Aṣṭa-dikpāla)

Tags

• Deva-Asura war
• Indra
• Dikpālas
• Vishnu
• Cosmic guardianship

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it highlights cosmic order being protected in crisis, with Indra and Viṣṇu supported by the eight directional guardians.

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

It models rājanīti by showing leadership that does not collapse in panic: even when forces scatter, the rightful leader (Indra) stands with reliable protectors—an image of steadiness, alliance-building, and restoring order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

By naming the Aṣṭa-dikpālas, the verse echoes a key Vāstu/ritual principle: directions are sacral and guarded; temples and ritual spaces often invoke directional deities for protection and correct orientation.