Shloka 86
Matsya Purana — The Slaying of Jambha and the Rise of Tāraka: Divine Battle Formations
व्याकुलो ऽपि स्वयं दैत्यः सहस्राक्षास्त्रपीडितः स्मरन्साधुसमाचारं भीतत्राणपरो ऽभवत् //
vyākulo 'pi svayaṃ daityaḥ sahasrākṣāstrapīḍitaḥ smaransādhusamācāraṃ bhītatrāṇaparo 'bhavat //
Though himself a Daitya, he was thrown into turmoil, tormented by the weapon of Sahasrākṣa (Indra); yet he remembered the code of noble conduct and, in fear, became intent only on seeking protection.
FAQs
This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it teaches a moral principle: even a hostile being, when overwhelmed by suffering, turns toward dharma (sadācāra) and seeks refuge—an inner “dissolution” of arrogance rather than a cosmic dissolution.
It highlights that sadācāra (upright conduct and remembered norms of the good) is a stabilizing refuge in crisis; for kings and householders, the teaching is to cultivate dharmic habits so that, under pressure, one naturally chooses protection through right action, humility, and seeking proper shelter (śaraṇāgati) rather than rash retaliation.
No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated explicitly in this verse; its practical takeaway is preparatory—ethical discipline (sadācāra) underlies successful ritual life and temple/household order, a recurring premise in the Matsya Purana’s broader Vastu Shastra and dharma instructions.