Shloka 74

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

Devanagari script

घट्टयन्सुरसैन्यानां हृदयं समदृश्यत तम् आयान्तम् अभिप्रेक्ष्य धनुष्याहितसायकः //

Transliteration

ghaṭṭayansurasainyānāṃ hṛdayaṃ samadṛśyata tam āyāntam abhiprekṣya dhanuṣyāhitasāyakaḥ //

Translation

Striking terror into the hearts of the gods’ army, he was seen; and seeing him advance, the warrior set an arrow upon his bow.

Word by Word

• घट्टयन् (ghaṭṭayan): striking/shaking, causing agitation

• सुरसैन्यानाम् (sura-sainyānām): of the armies of the gods (devas)

• हृदयम् (hṛdayam): heart(s), courage

• सम् (sam): completely, thoroughly

• अदृश्यत (adṛśyata): was seen/appeared

• तम् (tam): him

• आयान्तम् (āyāntam): coming, advancing

• अभिप्रेक्ष्य (abhiprekṣya): having looked at, observing

• धनुषि (dhanuṣi): on the bow

• आहित (āhita): placed, set

• सायकः (sāyakaḥ): arrow

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing a battle episode (contextual narration within Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Devas (Suras)
• An unnamed warrior/hero (implied archer)

Tags

• Battle
• Devas
• Archery
• Heroic narrative
• Puranic warfare

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it depicts battlefield momentum and fear in the devas’ forces as an advancing figure is seen.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the kshatriya ethic praised in Purāṇic literature: alertness, readiness, and decisive action in protecting one’s side—symbolized by the archer setting the arrow upon the bow when danger approaches.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is mentioned; the verse is purely martial, focusing on psychological impact and archery readiness.