Shloka 11

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

Devanagari script

अस्तं गतमिवाभाति निष्प्राणसदृशाकृति बलं सुराणामसुरैर् निष्प्रयत्नायुधं कृतम् //

Transliteration

astaṃ gatamivābhāti niṣprāṇasadṛśākṛti balaṃ surāṇāmasurair niṣprayatnāyudhaṃ kṛtam //

Translation

The might of the gods appeared as though it had set—its form like something lifeless—having been rendered weaponless and powerless by the Asuras, as if without any effort.

Word by Word

• अस्तं गतम् (astaṃ gatam): gone to setting, set (like the sun)

• इव (iva): as if

• आभाति (ābhāti): appears, seems

• निष्प्राण-सदृश-आकृति (niṣprāṇa-sadṛśa-ākṛti): having an appearance like that of something without life/breath

• बलम् (balam): strength, might

• सुराणाम् (surāṇām): of the gods (Devas)

• असुरैः (asuraiḥ): by the Asuras

• निष्प्रयत्न (niṣprayatna): without effort, effortlessly

• आयुधम् (āyudham): weapon, armament

• कृतम् (kṛtam): made, rendered (into that state).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) describing the battle situation (likely within a dialogue context)

Entities Mentioned

• Devas (Surāḥ)
• Asuras

Tags

• DevasuraWar
• DivinePower
• CosmicConflict
• PuranicNarrative
• Battle

FAQs

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

This verse is not a Pralaya (dissolution) teaching; it uses a cosmic image—“like the sun setting” and “lifeless”—to depict a temporary decline of divine power in a Devasura conflict, implying that cosmic order can appear eclipsed before being restored.

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

Indirectly, it underscores a political-ethical lesson common in the Matsya Purana: strength without preparedness (being “weaponless”) leads to collapse; kings and householders must maintain discipline, resources, and vigilance so that their capacity to protect dharma does not become inert.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated here; the verse is narrative and metaphorical, focused on martial power and its loss rather than temple-building rules or rites.