Shloka 85

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

Devanagari script

अथास्त्रवृष्ट्या दैत्यानां हन्यमाना महाचमूः जम्भं शरणमागच्छद् अप्रमेयपराक्रमम् //

Transliteration

athāstravṛṣṭyā daityānāṃ hanyamānā mahācamūḥ jambhaṃ śaraṇamāgacchad aprameyaparākramam //

Translation

Then, struck down by the shower of missiles, the vast host of the Daityas sought refuge with Jambha, whose prowess was beyond measure.

Word by Word

• atha: then

• astra-vṛṣṭyā: by a rain/shower of weapons (missiles)

• daityānām: of the Daityas

• hanyamānā: being slain/struck down

• mahā-camūḥ: the great army

• jambham: Jambha (proper name)

• śaraṇam: refuge/protection

• āgacchat: went/approached

• aprameya-parākramam: of immeasurable valor/might

Speaker

• Suta (Purāṇic narrator) recounting the episode (battle narrative voice)

Entities Mentioned

• Daityas
• Jambha

Tags

• Daitya
• Battle
• Astra
• Refuge
• Puranic warfare

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya or cosmogony; it depicts a battlefield moment where the Daitya forces, overwhelmed by a missile-storm, retreat to seek protection under Jambha.

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

Indirectly, it highlights a leadership dynamic: in crisis, forces rally to a protector. In dharma literature, this parallels the king’s duty to provide śaraṇa (protection) to dependents and allies when danger arises.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated here; the technical focus is martial—astra-vṛṣṭi (weapon-rain) and śaraṇa (seeking refuge).