Shloka 84

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

Devanagari script

गन्धर्वनगरैश् चापि नानाप्राकारतोरणैः मुञ्चद्भिरद्भुताकारैर् अस्त्रवृष्टिं समन्ततः //

Transliteration

gandharvanagaraiś cāpi nānāprākāratoraṇaiḥ muñcadbhiradbhutākārair astravṛṣṭiṃ samantataḥ //

Translation

And there were also “Gandharva-cities”—wondrous, seemingly magical constructions—together with many kinds of ramparts and arched gateways (toraṇas), which in marvelous forms discharged a shower of weapons on every side.

Word by Word

• गन्धर्वनगरैः: with gandharva-like (illusory/miraculously splendid) cities/structures

• च: and

• अपि: also

• नाना: various

• प्राकार: ramparts/encircling walls

• तोरणैः: with gateways/arches

• मुञ्चद्भिः: by those that release/discharge

• अद्भुत-आकारैः: with marvelous forms/devices

• अस्त्र-वृष्टिम्: a rain/shower of weapons/projectiles

• समन्ततः: on all sides/everywhere.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (architectural/defensive guidelines in context)

Entities Mentioned

• Gandharva
• prākāra (rampart)
• toraṇa (gateway)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Fortification
• City Planning
• Defensive Architecture
• Yantra-like Devices

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it belongs to a Vastu/fortification context, emphasizing engineered (even ‘marvel-like’) defensive city structures rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

It aligns with royal duty (rājadharma) to protect the realm: strong walls, gates, and defensive installations are presented as legitimate means for safeguarding citizens and maintaining order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it highlights prākāras (ramparts) and toraṇas (gateways) and suggests specialized defensive devices capable of projecting weapons in all directions—an important motif in Matsya Purana’s fort and city-planning guidance.