Shloka 73

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

Devanagari script

पताकिना रथेनाजौ किङ्किणीजालमालिना शशिशुभ्रातपत्रेण स तेन स्यन्दनेन तु //

Transliteration

patākinā rathenājau kiṅkiṇījālamālinā śaśiśubhrātapatreṇa sa tena syandanena tu //

Translation

On the battlefield, he rode in that chariot—bannered, adorned with a net of tinkling bells, and shaded by a parasol white as the moon.

Word by Word

• पताकिना: with a banner/standard

• रथेन: by/with a chariot

• आजौ: in battle, on the battlefield

• किङ्किणीजालमालिना: adorned with a mesh/garland of small bells

• शशि-शुभ्र: moon-white, bright like the moon

• आतपत्रेण: with a parasol (royal canopy)

• स: he

• तेन: with that

• स्यन्दनेन: with the war-chariot, conveyance

• तु: indeed/then

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) or the Purāṇic narrator describing the scene (contextual attribution within a royal/battle narrative)

Tags

• Ratha
• Battlefield
• Royal insignia
• Iconography
• Martial description

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it is a martial-royal description focusing on the battlefield chariot’s insignia and splendor.

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

It reflects the public symbolism of kingship and kṣatriya duty: the king/warrior appears on the battlefield with royal emblems (banner, parasol) that signify authority, protection, and disciplined readiness for righteous combat.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not architectural, the verse preserves ritual-court symbolism: the white parasol (ātapatra) and banner (patākā) function as formal insignia used in royal processions and ceremonial display, paralleling how emblems are prescribed in iconography and state ritual.