Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — The Terror of Tripura and the Gods’ Hymn to Śiva

Devanagari script

त्रिपुरं नाल्पवीर्येण शक्यं हन्तुं शरेण तु एकं मुक्त्वा महादेवं महेशानं प्रजापतिम् //

Transliteration

tripuraṃ nālpavīryeṇa śakyaṃ hantuṃ śareṇa tu ekaṃ muktvā mahādevaṃ maheśānaṃ prajāpatim //

Translation

Tripura cannot be slain by an arrow wielded with only slight power; except for Mahādeva—Maheśāna, the Lord who is also the Prajāpati—no one is able to destroy it with a single shot.

Word by Word

• tripuram: Tripura (the three cities/fortresses of the Asuras)

• na-alpa-vīryeṇa: not with small/insufficient might

• śakyam: is possible/feasible

• hantum: to kill/destroy

• śareṇa: with an arrow

• tu: indeed/but

• ekam: one (single)

• muktvā: except (leaving aside)

• mahādevam: Mahādeva (Śiva)

• maheśānam: Maheśāna, the Great Lord

• prajāpatim: Prajāpati (lord of progeny/creator-lord)

Speaker

• Suta (Purana narrator) describing the unique potency of Mahadeva in the Tripura episode (contextual attribution within Matsya Purana narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Tripura
• Mahadeva (Shiva)
• Maheshana
• Prajapati

Tags

• Tripura-samhara
• Shaiva theology
• Divine weapon
• Asura fortresses
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it emphasizes cosmic hierarchy—certain seemingly invincible structures (Tripura) fall only by the supreme divine agency of Mahādeva, preserving cosmic order.

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

It implies a dharmic principle of discernment: some threats cannot be met by ordinary strength alone; a ruler or householder should seek the highest refuge—right counsel, rightful means, and devotion—rather than relying on limited personal power.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, Tripura functions as an image of an impregnable ‘fortified construction’ (three cities); ritually, the verse supports the idea that success depends on invoking the proper deity and power—here, Mahādeva’s singular capacity to accomplish what others cannot.