Shloka 8

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

Devanagari script

ते वध्यमाना बलिभिर् दानवैर्जितकाशिभिः विषण्णवदना देवा जग्मुरार्तिं परां मृधे //

Transliteration

te vadhyamānā balibhir dānavairjitakāśibhiḥ viṣaṇṇavadanā devā jagmurārtiṃ parāṃ mṛdhe //

Translation

Being struck down by the mighty Dānavas—whose splendor had been eclipsed— the gods, their faces cast in gloom, fell into extreme distress amid the battle.

Word by Word

• ते (te): they

• वध्यमानाः (vadhyamānāḥ): being slain/struck down

• बलिभिः (balibhiḥ): by the strong/mighty

• दानवैः (dānavaiḥ): by the Dānavas (demonic clans)

• जितकाशिभिः (jitakāśibhiḥ): whose radiance/brightness is conquered, i.e., dimmed

• विषण्णवदनाः (viṣaṇṇavadanāḥ): with dejected faces

• देवाः (devāḥ): the gods

• जग्मुः (jagmuḥ): went/entered

• आर्तिम् (ārtim): distress, affliction

• पराम् (parām): supreme, extreme

• मृधे (mṛdhe): in battle.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) describing the battlefield condition of the Devas

Entities Mentioned

• Devas
• Dānavas

Tags

• Devāsura-yuddha
• Crisis of the Devas
• Mythic warfare
• Puranic narrative
• Cosmic order

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it depicts a crisis in cosmic governance where the Devas, overpowered in battle, experience severe distress—often a narrative prelude to divine intervention that restores order.

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

By portraying even the Devas suffering when strength and morale fail, the verse indirectly reinforces a Rajadharma theme common in the Matsya Purana: rulers must maintain courage, strategic resolve, and protection of their realm, seeking counsel and righteous means when adversity peaks.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vastu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is narrative—establishing battlefield distress that typically motivates subsequent vows, prayers, or protective rites in the broader Purana context.