Shloka 97

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

Devanagari script

ततः प्रशान्ते शैलास्त्रे जम्भो भूधरसंनिभः ऐषीकमस्त्रमकरोद् अभीतो ऽतिपराक्रमः //

Transliteration

tataḥ praśānte śailāstre jambho bhūdharasaṃnibhaḥ aiṣīkamastramakarod abhīto 'tiparākramaḥ //

Translation

Then, when the mountain-weapon (śailāstra) had been pacified, Jambha—resembling a mighty mountain—fearless and of tremendous prowess, deployed the Aiṣīka weapon.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then

• praśānte: when pacified/quelled

• śailāstre: the mountain-weapon (śaila-astra)

• jambhaḥ: Jambha (the daitya)

• bhūdhara-saṃnibhaḥ: resembling a mountain

• aiṣīkam: Aiṣīka (name of a missile/weapon)

• astram: weapon, missile

• akarot: he made/produced/let loose

• abhītaḥ: fearless

• ati-parākramaḥ: of extraordinary valor/power

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the battle events

Entities Mentioned

• Jambha
• Śailāstra (mountain-weapon)
• Aiṣīka-astra

Tags

• Battle
• Astras
• Daityas
• Mythic warfare
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it depicts a combat sequence where one weapon (Śailāstra) is neutralized and another (Aiṣīka-astra) is launched.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the Purāṇic ideal of steadfastness under pressure—fearlessness and resolve—qualities praised in rulers and protectors, though the verse itself is strictly martial narration.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the technical significance lies in astra-vocabulary, showing the Purāṇic cataloging of named weapons and their deployment in mythic warfare.