Shloka 14

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

Devanagari script

ते ऽन्योन्यं नावबुध्यन्त देवानां वाहनानि च घोरेण तमसाविष्टाः पुरुहूतस्य तेजसा //

Transliteration

te 'nyonyaṃ nāvabudhyanta devānāṃ vāhanāni ca ghoreṇa tamasāviṣṭāḥ puruhūtasya tejasā //

Translation

Enveloped in dreadful darkness, they could not recognize one another—nor even the mounts of the gods—overwhelmed by the blazing splendor of Puruhūta (Indra).

Word by Word

• te: they

• anyonyam: one another, mutually

• na avabudhyanta: did not perceive/recognize

• devānām: of the gods

• vāhanāni: mounts/vehicles

• ca: and

• ghoreṇa: terrible, dreadful

• tamasā: by darkness

• āviṣṭāḥ: possessed, enveloped, overcome

• puruhūtasya: of Puruhūta (a name of Indra, ‘much-invoked’)

• tejasā: by radiance, fiery splendor

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing the scene (likely within the ongoing discourse to Śaunaka and other Ṛṣis)

Entities Mentioned

• Puruhūta (Indra)
• Devas (gods)
• Vāhanas (divine mounts)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmic darkness
• Indra
• Tejas
• Divine power

FAQs

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

It emphasizes a Pralaya-like condition of overwhelming darkness (tamas) where normal recognition collapses, highlighting how cosmic disorder can eclipse even divine order and perception.

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

By implication, it underscores the ethical need for clarity (discernment) against tamas—kings and householders must cultivate sattva (lucidity) and right judgment so society does not fall into confusion and misrecognition.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; however, the contrast of tamas and tejas aligns with ritual/temple symbolism where light signifies auspiciousness and right order, and darkness signifies obstruction and inauspicious confusion.