Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — Tripura Takes Refuge in the Ocean; Maya’s Hidden Nectar-Reservoir and the God...

Devanagari script

मृतप्रायास्तथा दैत्या दैवतैर्विकृताननाः बभूवुस्ते विमनसः कथं कार्यमिति ब्रुवन् //

Transliteration

mṛtaprāyāstathā daityā daivatairvikṛtānanāḥ babhūvuste vimanasaḥ kathaṃ kāryamiti bruvan //

Translation

Thus the Daityas, nearly dead and with their faces disfigured by the gods, became utterly dejected, saying, “What is to be done now—how shall we proceed?”

Word by Word

• mṛta-prāyāḥ: almost dead, near death

• tathā: thus/thereupon

• daityāḥ: the Daityas (demons, sons of Diti)

• daivataiḥ: by the gods/divine beings

• vikṛta-ānanāḥ: having distorted/disfigured faces

• babhūvuḥ: became

• te: they

• vimanasaḥ: downcast, despondent

• katham: how?

• kāryam: what should be done, the course of action

• iti: thus

• bruvan: saying, speaking

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narration within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue framework)

Entities Mentioned

• Daityas
• Daivatas (gods)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Devas vs Asuras
• Aftermath
• Dharma conflict
• Puranic warfare

FAQs

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

It reflects the post-crisis atmosphere typical of Pralaya-linked episodes: forces opposed to cosmic order (Daityas) are incapacitated and left in confusion, indicating a restoration of divine control after upheaval.

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

Indirectly, it underscores a dharmic lesson central to the Matsya Purana: when actions oppose divine order, they culminate in defeat and despair—guiding rulers and householders to choose prudent, righteous policy rather than impulsive aggression.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its takeaway is narrative-moral (the consequences of adharma), not temple architecture or rite.