Shloka 59

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

Devanagari script

ध्रियमाणो ऽपि यत्नेन स रणे नैव तिष्ठति पलायिते गजे तस्मिन्न् आरूढः पाकशासनः //

Transliteration

dhriyamāṇo 'pi yatnena sa raṇe naiva tiṣṭhati palāyite gaje tasminn ārūḍhaḥ pākaśāsanaḥ //

Translation

Even when restrained with great effort, he does not remain in the battle. When that elephant fled, Pākaśāsana (Indra), mounted upon it, fled as well.

Word by Word

• dhriyamāṇaḥ: being held back/restrained

• api: even

• yatnena: with effort

• saḥ: he

• raṇe: in battle

• na eva: not at all

• tiṣṭhati: stands/remains

• palāyite: having fled/when it fled

• gaje: the elephant

• tasmin: on that/when that (elephant)

• ārūḍhaḥ: mounted/ascended

• pākaśāsanaḥ: the chastiser of Pāka (Indra)

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing Indra (Pākaśāsana) in a battle episode

Entities Mentioned

• Pākaśāsana (Indra)
• Gaja (elephant)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Battle narrative
• Indra
• Courage
• Itihasa episode

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya or cosmology; it is a battlefield vignette illustrating conduct and temperament under pressure.

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

It underscores that leadership in conflict cannot be sustained merely by external restraint—true steadiness (dhairya) is internal; a king’s resolve must not depend on unstable supports.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is mentioned; the verse is narrative and ethical, focused on flight versus steadfastness in battle.