Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — War of Devas and Asuras; Birth of Aurva Fire; Countering Tamasī Māyā through ...

Devanagari script

वेष्टिताः शरजालैश्च निर्यत्नाश्चासुरैः कृताः प्रविष्टा दानवीं मायां न शेकुस्ते विचेष्टितुम् //

Transliteration

veṣṭitāḥ śarajālaiśca niryatnāścāsuraiḥ kṛtāḥ praviṣṭā dānavīṃ māyāṃ na śekuste viceṣṭitum //

Translation

Enmeshed in nets of arrows and rendered powerless by the asuras, they entered the Dānava’s illusory snare and could no longer make any effort to move or act.

Word by Word

• veṣṭitāḥ: wrapped/entangled

• śara-jālaiḥ: by nets (showers) of arrows

• ca: and

• niryatnāḥ: without effort/strength, helpless

• ca: and

• asuraiḥ: by the asuras

• kṛtāḥ: made (to be)

• praviṣṭāḥ: having entered

• dānavīm: belonging to a Dānava (demonic)

• māyām: illusion, magical contrivance

• na: not

• śekuḥ: were able

• te: they

• viceṣṭitum: to move about, to strive/act.

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing the battle episode (likely within a dialogue frame to Śaunaka’s sages).

Entities Mentioned

• Asuras
• Dānavas
• Māyā (illusion)

Tags

• Māyā
• Asura-Warfare
• Puranic-Battle
• Divine-Illusion
• Karma-and-Powerlessness

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it illustrates māyā (illusory power) in a conflict setting—how beings can be rendered inert when caught in a hostile magical stratagem.

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

Indirectly, it warns that power can be neutralized by deception and constraint; for rulers and householders, it supports the Matsya Purana’s broader ethic of vigilance, discernment, and preparedness against misleading appearances.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is specified here; the technical focus is martial imagery (śara-jāla) and the doctrinal theme of māyā as a binding force.