Shloka 36

Matsya Purana — Vishnu’s Battle with Mathana

Devanagari script

अथ संज्ञामवाप्याशु गरुडो ऽपि सकेशवः पराङ्मुखो रणात्तस्मात् पलायत महाजवः //

Transliteration

atha saṃjñāmavāpyāśu garuḍo 'pi sakeśavaḥ parāṅmukho raṇāttasmāt palāyata mahājavaḥ //

Translation

Then, quickly regaining consciousness, Garuḍa too—along with Keśava—turned away from that battlefield and fled with great speed.

Word by Word

• atha: then

• saṃjñām: consciousness, awareness

• avāpya: having regained/obtained

• āśu: quickly

• garuḍaḥ api: Garuḍa also

• sa-keśavaḥ: together with Keśava (Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa)

• parāṅmukhaḥ: turning away, facing away

• raṇāt: from the battle/field of combat

• tasmāt: from that (place/encounter)

• palāyata: fled, ran away

• mahā-javaḥ: of great speed/with tremendous swiftness

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing the event

Entities Mentioned

• Garuḍa
• Keśava (Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa)

Tags

• Puranic battle narrative
• Vaishnava lore
• Garuḍa
• Keśava
• Retreat from battle

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya or cosmology; it is a battlefield narrative moment describing Garuḍa and Keśava withdrawing after Garuḍa regains consciousness.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic idea that withdrawal can be strategic and dharmic when circumstances demand—valor is not only standing firm, but also preserving strength for a righteous purpose.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu/temple-building or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its focus is solely on the immediate action of turning away from battle and fleeing swiftly.