Shloka 104

Matsya Purana — The Strategy to Defeat Tāraka: Pārvatī’s Birth

Devanagari script

अन्तरिक्षे सुराश्चासन् विमानेषु सहस्रशः समहेन्द्रहरिब्रह्मवायुवह्निपुरोगमाः //

Transliteration

antarikṣe surāścāsan vimāneṣu sahasraśaḥ samahendraharibrahmavāyuvahnipurogamāḥ //

Translation

In the mid-sky, the gods stood in their celestial chariots by the thousands—led in front by Indra, Hari (Viṣṇu), Brahmā, Vāyu, and Vahni (Agni).

Word by Word

antarikṣein the atmosphere/mid-sky

surāḥthe gods

caand

āsanwere/stood

vimāneṣuin vimānas (celestial aerial chariots)

sahasraśaḥby the thousands

sa-mahendratogether with Mahendra (Indra)

hariHari (Viṣṇu)

brahmaBrahmā

vāyuVāyu (wind-god)

vahniVahni/Agni (fire-god)

purogamāḥgoing in front/leading the procession

Speaker

Sūta (narrator) describing the scene within the Matsya Purana’s Manu–Matsya narrative frame

Entities Mentioned

Devas (Surāḥ)Indra (Mahendra)Hari (Vishnu)BrahmaVayuAgni (Vahni)Vimanas

FAQs

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

It portrays a cosmic crisis-like setting where the devas gather in the mid-sky in vimānas, suggesting an extraordinary, world-affecting event (often associated with pralaya episodes) that draws the gods into active witness and oversight.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces the Purāṇic idea that righteous order is supervised by higher powers; for kings and householders, this implies living by dharma with accountability to cosmic governance rather than mere human authority.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is prescribed here; however, the mention of vimānas is a key Purāṇic term later echoed in temple vocabulary (e.g., vimāna as a superstructure), useful for readers researching Matsya Purana Vastu Shastra tips and sacred architecture terminology.