Shloka 5

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

Devanagari script

वरगुप्तास्तवैवेह दानवास्त्रिपुरालयाः बाधन्ते ऽस्मान्यथा प्रेष्यान् अनुशाधि ततो ऽनघ //

Transliteration

varaguptāstavaiveha dānavāstripurālayāḥ bādhante 'smānyathā preṣyān anuśādhi tato 'nagha //

Translation

Though sheltered by your boons, the Dānavas dwelling in Tripura still torment us here, treating us as mere servants. Therefore, O sinless one, instruct us as to what should be done.

Word by Word

• vara-guptāḥ: protected by boons

• tava: by you/your

• eva: indeed

• iha: here

• dānavāḥ: Dānavas (demons)

• tripura-ālayāḥ: dwelling in Tripura

• bādhante: harass/afflict

• asmān: us

• yathā: as if/like

• preṣyān: servants/menials

• anuśādhi: command/instruct (us)

• tataḥ: therefore/then

• anagha: O sinless one (epithet of the addressed deity)

Speaker

• The Devas (gods), addressing a sinless supreme lord (likely Śiva/Vishnu depending on the surrounding narration of the Tripura episode)

Entities Mentioned

• Dānavas
• Tripura

Tags

• Tripura
• Dānavas
• Divine command
• Protection-boons
• Puranic warfare

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it depicts a crisis in the cosmic order where the gods are oppressed by Tripura-dwelling Dānavas and seek divine guidance to restore balance.

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

It models dharmic leadership: when oppression persists despite prior safeguards (like “boons” or agreements), one should seek wise counsel and act under righteous instruction rather than tolerate injustice.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The term “Tripura” (“three cities/fortresses”) points to the mythic fortified strongholds of the Dānavas; while not a Vāstu rule itself, it is often read alongside discussions of strongholds/cities in Purāṇic literature.