Shloka 139

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

Devanagari script

कक्षावालम्ब्य पाणिभ्याम् उपविष्टो ह्यधोमुखः सर्वे ते निष्प्रतीकारा दैत्याश्चन्द्रमसा जिताः //

Transliteration

kakṣāvālambya pāṇibhyām upaviṣṭo hyadhomukhaḥ sarve te niṣpratīkārā daityāścandramasā jitāḥ //

Translation

Clasping their sides/waists with both hands, they sat down with faces turned downward. All those Daityas, left without any countermeasure, were defeated by Chandramas (the Moon).

Word by Word

• kakṣā: the side/waist/flank

• ālambya: having grasped/holding onto

• pāṇibhyām: with (both) hands

• upaviṣṭaḥ: seated/sat down

• hi: indeed

• adhomukhaḥ: face downward, downcast

• sarve: all

• te: those

• niṣpratīkārāḥ: without remedy/without resistance, helpless

• daityāḥ: Daityas (a class of Asuras)

• candramasā: by Chandramas (the Moon)

• jitāḥ: conquered/defeated

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) relaying the Matsya Purana’s account (within the broader dialogue-tradition of the Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Chandramas (Chandra, the Moon)
• Daityas

Tags

• Deva-Asura
• Chandra
• Defeat
• Puranic battle
• Cosmic order

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it depicts a cosmic conflict where Chandramas defeats the Daityas, emphasizing restoration of order rather than dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it models a dharmic principle: when faced with overwhelming loss, the defeated become “niṣpratīkāra” (without recourse). For kings/householders, it underscores preparedness, strategy, and aligning with dharma to avoid helplessness in adversity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is specified in this shloka; its focus is narrative—describing the Daityas’ downcast posture and their defeat by Chandra.