Shloka 98

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

Devanagari script

ऐषीकेणागमन्नाशं वज्रास्त्रं शक्रवल्लभम् विजृम्भत्यथ चैषीके परमास्त्रे ऽतिदुर्धरे //

Transliteration

aiṣīkeṇāgamannāśaṃ vajrāstraṃ śakravallabham vijṛmbhatyatha caiṣīke paramāstre 'tidurdhare //

Translation

By the Aiṣīka weapon, the Vajrāstra—beloved of Śakra (Indra)—was brought to destruction. Then, as that exceedingly formidable supreme missile (paramāstra) of Aiṣīka expanded and surged forth, it became overpowering.

Word by Word

• aiṣīkeṇa: by the Aiṣīka weapon (reed/grass-based astra)

• āgamat: came about/occurred

• nāśam: destruction

• vajrāstram: the Vajra-missile (thunderbolt weapon)

• śakra-vallabham: dear to Śakra/Indra

• vijṛmbhati: expands, bursts forth, unfolds in power

• atha: then

• ca: and

• aiṣīke: in/with the Aiṣīka (weapon)

• paramāstre: in the supreme missile/ultimate astra

• ati-durdhare: exceedingly hard to withstand/irresistible

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the battle sequence within the Matsya Purana narrative

Entities Mentioned

• Śakra (Indra)
• Vajrāstra
• Aiṣīka astra
• Paramāstra

Tags

• Astra
• DivineWeapons
• Indra
• BattleNarrative
• PuranicWarfare

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic pralaya; it depicts a tactical “dissolution” of a weapon—one astra neutralizing another—showing the Purana’s idea of counter-forces and hierarchical power among missiles.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the Kshatriya ideal: mastery of restraint and right means. The text frames power as graded and counterable, implying that rulers should rely on discernment and appropriate measures rather than brute force.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or temple-rule detail appears here; the ritual implication is the Purāṇic concept of astras as mantra-empowered forces that can be invoked, expanded (vijṛmbhati), and countered through higher or more fitting spiritual-technique.