Shloka 124

Matsya Purana — War of Devas and Dānavas: Yama and Kubera Defeated; Kālanemi’s Māyā and the A...

Devanagari script

तं रक्षो ऽधिपतिः प्राप्तं मुद्गरेणाहनद्धृदि स तु तेन प्रहारेण क्षीणः संभ्रान्तमानसः //

Transliteration

taṃ rakṣo 'dhipatiḥ prāptaṃ mudgareṇāhanaddhṛdi sa tu tena prahāreṇa kṣīṇaḥ saṃbhrāntamānasaḥ //

Translation

Reaching him, the lord of the Rākṣasas struck his chest with a mace; weakened by that blow, he was inwardly shaken and his mind fell into confusion.

Word by Word

• tam: him

• rakṣaḥ-adhipatiḥ: the lord of the Rakshasas (demon-chief)

• prāptam: having reached/come up to

• mudgareṇa: with a mace/club

• ahanat: struck

• hṛdi: on the chest/at the heart

• sa tu: but he

• tena: by that

• prahāreṇa: blow/strike

• kṣīṇaḥ: weakened, diminished in strength

• saṃbhrānta-mānasaḥ: with a bewildered/agitated mind

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) / Purana narrator describing the combat (contextual narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Rakshasa-adhipati (lord of the Rakshasas)

Tags

• Battle
• Rakshasas
• Heroic narrative
• Puranic warfare
• Mace (mudgara)

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a straightforward combat description showing physical defeat and mental disorientation after a mace-blow.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the Purana’s broader kshatriya ethos: in conflict, strength and steadiness of mind matter—being struck can lead to loss of composure, which is portrayed as a tactical and moral vulnerability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is stated here; the technical term of note is “mudgara” (mace), relevant to martial iconography and weapon terminology rather than temple architecture.