Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Vishnu’s Names Across Yugas and the Gods’ Refuge During the Tārakāmaya War

Devanagari script

ते वध्यमाना विमुखाः क्षीणप्रहरणा रणे त्रातारं मनसा जग्मुर् देवं नारायणं प्रभुम् //

Transliteration

te vadhyamānā vimukhāḥ kṣīṇapraharaṇā raṇe trātāraṃ manasā jagmur devaṃ nārāyaṇaṃ prabhum //

Translation

Being struck down, turning away in defeat, and with their weapons spent in battle, they turned in their minds to Nārāyaṇa—the Lord God—seeking Him as their Protector.

Word by Word

• ते (te): they

• वध्यमानाः (vadhyamānāḥ): being slain/struck down

• विमुखाः (vimukhāḥ): turned away, facing defeat

• क्षीण-प्रहरणाः (kṣīṇa-praharaṇāḥ): whose weapons/means of attack are exhausted

• रणे (raṇe): in battle

• त्रातारम् (trātāram): the protector, savior

• मनसा (manasā): with the mind, mentally

• जग्मुः (jagmuḥ): went/turned (took refuge)

• देवम् (devam): the God

• नारायणम् (nārāyaṇam): Nārāyaṇa (Vishnu)

• प्रभुम् (prabhum): the Lord, sovereign.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) describing the warriors’ state and inner refuge in Nārāyaṇa

Entities Mentioned

• Nārāyaṇa
• Vishnu

Tags

• Bhakti
• Śaraṇāgati
• Battlefield
• Nārāyaṇa
• Protection

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic creation or pralaya directly; it highlights a recurring Purāṇic principle: in overwhelming danger, the highest refuge is mental surrender to Nārāyaṇa, the cosmic preserver.

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

It reinforces dharma in adversity: when strength, resources, or strategy fail, one should not fall into despair but steady the mind through remembrance of the Lord—supporting ethical action, courage, and restraint even under pressure.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is internal—mānasa-smaraṇa (mental remembrance) of Nārāyaṇa as a valid and powerful mode of seeking protection when external means are exhausted.