Shloka 8
Matsya Purana — The Slaying of Tāraka: Skanda’s Śakti and the Victory of the Devas
दुष्प्रेक्ष्यो भास्करो बालस् तथाहं दुर्जयः शिशुः अल्पाक्षरो न मन्त्रः किं सुस्फुरो दैत्य दृश्यते //
duṣprekṣyo bhāskaro bālas tathāhaṃ durjayaḥ śiśuḥ alpākṣaro na mantraḥ kiṃ susphuro daitya dṛśyate //
Even the Sun, though (as it were) young, is hard to gaze upon; in the same way I too—though appearing as a mere child—am unconquerable. A mantra is not to be dismissed for having few syllables; then why should a radiant Daitya be regarded as insignificant (or easily faced)?
FAQs
It reinforces a Pralaya-theme teaching: during cosmic crisis, divine protection is not limited by outward form—Matsya’s seemingly small/childlike appearance still signifies irresistible power capable of safeguarding Manu.
It advises discernment and courage: a ruler or householder should not underestimate threats or remedies based on appearance—small means (like a brief mantra or a seemingly minor ally) can carry decisive power when aligned with dharma.
Ritually, it highlights mantra-śakti: efficacy is not proportional to length. This supports high-intent Matsya Purana ritual takeaways—choose mantras by authority and correctness, not by syllable-count, for protective rites and consecrations.