Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — Vishnu’s Battle with Mathana

Devanagari script

अथाच्युतो ऽपि विज्ञाय दानवस्य चिकीर्षितम् वदनं पूरयामास दिव्यैरस्त्रैर्महाबलः //

Transliteration

athācyuto 'pi vijñāya dānavasya cikīrṣitam vadanaṃ pūrayāmāsa divyairastrairmahābalaḥ //

Translation

Then Acyuta, the Unfailing Lord, discerning the Dānava’s intent, the mighty one filled his mouth with divine missiles.

Word by Word

• atha: then

• acyutaḥ api: even Acyuta (Vishnu) also

• vijñāya: having understood/knowing

• dānavasya: of the Dānava (demon)

• cikīrṣitam: the intended act/plan

• vadanam: (his) mouth

• pūrayāmāsa: filled completely

• divyaiḥ astraiḥ: with divine weapons/missiles

• mahābalaḥ: the greatly powerful one

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator voice, describing Acyuta’s action)

Entities Mentioned

• Acyuta (Vishnu)
• Dānava

Tags

• Vishnu
• DivineWeapons
• DaityaDānava
• Protection
• PuranicNarrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it highlights Vishnu (Acyuta) intervening decisively to neutralize a demonic intention—an archetypal Purāṇic motif of preserving cosmic order rather than depicting dissolution.

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

By analogy, it supports the dharmic duty of foresight and prevention: like Acyuta discerning an enemy’s intent, a king or householder should recognize harmful designs early and act firmly—using proportionate, lawful means—to protect people and uphold order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated in this verse; the ritual takeaway is symbolic—“divine astras” can be read as spiritually authorized means (mantra, discipline, righteous power) employed to restrain adharma.