Shloka 89

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

Devanagari script

गान्धर्वमस्त्रं संधाय सुरसैन्येषु चापरम् एकैकेन प्रहारेण गजानश्वान्महारथान् //

Transliteration

gāndharvamastraṃ saṃdhāya surasainyeṣu cāparam ekaikena prahāreṇa gajānaśvānmahārathān //

Translation

Fixing the Gāndharva Astra upon his weapon—and taking yet another weapon besides—he struck into the host of the gods, and with single, distinct blows felled elephants, horses, and great chariot-warriors.

Word by Word

• गान्धर्वम् (gāndharvam): the ‘Gāndharva’ (celestial) weapon/spell

• अस्त्रम् (astram): missile-weapon, supernatural weapon

• संधाय (saṃdhāya): having fixed/aimed/applied (an astra)

• सुरसैन्येषु (sura-sainyeṣu): among/in the armies of the gods

• च (ca): and

• अपरम् (aparam): another (weapon/astra)

• एकैकेन (ekaikena): with each single (one by one)

• प्रहारेण (prahāreṇa): by a blow/strike

• गजान् (gajān): elephants

• अश्वान् (aśvān): horses

• महारथान् (mahā-rathān): great chariot-warriors, eminent fighters

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the battle sequence (likely within a Deva–Asura episode)

Entities Mentioned

• Gāndharva Astra
• Suras (Devas)

Tags

• Astras
• Deva-Asura battle
• War narrative
• Divine weapons
• Martial imagery

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on battlefield action and the use of supernatural astras against the deva-army.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the Kshatriya ideal of martial prowess and strategic force; however, it is primarily narrative rather than a prescriptive rule for royal or household dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu/temple-architecture or ritual procedure is specified; the key technical term is the ‘Gāndharva Astra,’ a specialized divine weapon used in combat.