Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Vishnu’s Battle with the Daityas: Astra-Combat

Devanagari script

तस्य तल्लाघवं दृष्ट्वा दानवाः क्रोधमूर्छिताः नर्दमानाः प्रयत्नेन चक्रुरत्यद्भुतं रणम् //

Transliteration

tasya tallāghavaṃ dṛṣṭvā dānavāḥ krodhamūrchitāḥ nardamānāḥ prayatnena cakruratyadbhutaṃ raṇam //

Translation

Seeing his remarkable swiftness, the Dānavas—overwhelmed and maddened with anger—roared aloud and, with all their effort, waged a most astonishing battle.

Word by Word

• tasya: of him

• tat-lāghavam: that lightness/swiftness/agility

• dṛṣṭvā: having seen

• dānavāḥ: the Dānavas (demons/Asura clan)

• krodha-mūrcchitāḥ: stupefied/overpowered by anger

• nardamānāḥ: roaring, bellowing

• prayatnena: with effort, with full exertion

• cakruḥ: they did/made/waged

• ati-adbhutam: exceedingly wonderful/astonishing

• raṇam: battle, combat

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) / Purāṇic narrator describing the battle (contextual narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Dānava

Tags

• Battle
• Asuras
• Heroic narrative
• Dynasties
• Epic-style combat

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it is a battlefield description highlighting the Dānavas’ anger and the extraordinary intensity of combat after witnessing an opponent’s agility.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the Purāṇic view that prowess, alertness, and disciplined exertion (prayatna) decide outcomes in conflict—an implied lesson for rulers on preparedness and strategic response when confronted by a superior adversary.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu/temple-building or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its focus is purely martial—roaring warriors, anger, and an ‘astonishing battle’ (atyadbhuta raṇa).