Shloka 77

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

Devanagari script

अन्यत्कार्मुकमादाय वेगवद्भारसाधनम् शरांश्चाशीविषाकारांस् तैलधौतानजिह्मगान् //

Transliteration

anyatkārmukamādāya vegavadbhārasādhanam śarāṃścāśīviṣākārāṃs tailadhautānajihmagān //

Translation

Taking up another bow—swift in action and able to bear a heavy draw—he also took arrows like venomous serpents, oil-polished and unfalteringly straight.

Word by Word

• anyat: another

• kārmukam: bow

• ādāya: having taken up

• vegavat: swift/impetuous

• bhāra: heavy load (here: heavy draw/strain)

• sādhanam: capable of bearing/fit for

• śarān: arrows

• ca: and

• āśīviṣa: venomous serpent

• ākārān: having the form/like

• taila: oil

• dhautān: washed/cleansed/polished

• ajihmagān: not crooked, going straight (i.e., perfectly straight-flying)

Speaker

• Suta (Purana narrator) describing the scene (probable narrative voice in this chapter)

Tags

• Matsya Purana royal narrative
• Martial imagery
• Weapons
• Dhanurveda
• Battle preparation

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it is a martial description focusing on weapons—bow strength, speed, and the lethal, straight, oil-polished arrows.

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

It reflects the kshatriya ideal emphasized across Puranic literature: readiness, proper armament, and disciplined skill in warfare (dhanurveda), which are part of a king’s duty to protect and uphold order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is stated directly; the only technical detail is weapon-craft—oil-polishing and ensuring arrows are perfectly straight, implying careful preparation and craftsmanship.