Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — Vishnu’s Battle with Mathana

Devanagari script

तीक्ष्णधारेण शूलेन महिषो हरिमर्दयन् शक्त्या च गरुडं वीरो महिषो ऽभ्यहनद्धृदि //

Transliteration

tīkṣṇadhāreṇa śūlena mahiṣo harimardayan śaktyā ca garuḍaṃ vīro mahiṣo 'bhyahanaddhṛdi //

Translation

With a sharp-edged trident, the valiant Mahiṣa struck at Hari (Viṣṇu), and with a spear he smote Garuḍa, dealing a blow to his chest.

Word by Word

• तीक्ष्ण-धारेण: with a sharp-edged

• शूलेन: with a trident

• महिषः: Mahisha (the buffalo-demon)

• हरिमर्दयन्: striking/assailing Hari (Vishnu)

• शक्त्या: with a spear/javelin

• च: and

• गरुडम्: Garuḍa

• वीरः: the hero/valiant one

• महिषः: Mahisha

• अभ्यहनत्: struck/smote

• हृदि: in the chest/at the heart-region

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the battle घटनाक्रम

Entities Mentioned

• Mahisha
• Hari (Vishnu)
• Garuḍa

Tags

• Deva–Asura battle
• Vishnu
• Garuḍa
• Puranic warfare
• Mythic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya or cosmology; it is a battlefield description showing an asura’s direct assault on Vishnu and Garuḍa.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the Purāṇic ideal of kṣātra themes—courage, martial readiness, and the reality of conflict—often used as narrative backdrops for dharma discussions elsewhere in the Matsya Purana.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No vāstu, temple-architecture, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; it focuses on weaponry (śūla, śakti) within a mythic combat scene.