Shloka 58

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

Devanagari script

सम्प्राप्तो निमिमातङ्गो यावच्छक्रगजं प्रति तावच्छक्रगजो यातो मुक्त्वा नादं स भैरवम् //

Transliteration

samprāpto nimimātaṅgo yāvacchakragajaṃ prati tāvacchakragajo yāto muktvā nādaṃ sa bhairavam //

Translation

As Nimi’s great elephant advanced toward Indra’s elephant, Indra’s elephant likewise moved forward, letting out a terrifying roar like that of Bhairava.

Word by Word

• samprāptaḥ: having come/advanced

• nimi-mātaṅgaḥ: Nimi’s elephant (the elephant of Nimi’s side)

• yāvat: as far as/so long as/when

• śakra-gajam: Indra’s elephant (Airāvata), accusative

• prati: toward/against

• tāvat: just so/then likewise

• śakra-gajaḥ: Indra’s elephant

• yātaḥ: went/moved forth

• muktvā: releasing/letting out

• nādam: a sound/roar

• saḥ: he/that (elephant)

• bhairavam: terrifying, Bhairava-like/dreadful

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the episode in Purāṇic style

Entities Mentioned

• Nimi
• Śakra (Indra)
• Śakragaja (Airāvata)

Tags

• Puranic battle
• Omens
• Elephant symbolism
• Divine kingship
• Narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya or cosmogenesis; it focuses on a martial/narrative moment where opposing elephant-forces advance, emphasizing dread and power through the “bhairava” roar.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the Purāṇic ideal of royal might and readiness in conflict: the parallel advance of forces and the terrifying roar signal disciplined response and deterrence—traits associated with kṣatriya duty (protection and command).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated here; the key takeaway is symbolic—“bhairava” as a marker of awe/terror, a tone sometimes echoed in ritual descriptions of fierce sounds (nāda) used to signify power and warding.