Shloka 97

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

Devanagari script

प्रथमं कार्मुकात्तस्य निश्चेरुर्धूमराजयः अनन्तरं स्फुलिङ्गानां कोटयो दीप्तवर्चसाम् //

Transliteration

prathamaṃ kārmukāttasya niścerurdhūmarājayaḥ anantaraṃ sphuliṅgānāṃ koṭayo dīptavarcasām //

Translation

First, from that bow there issued streams of smoke; thereafter, crores of sparks, blazing with radiant brilliance, burst forth.

Word by Word

• प्रथमं (prathamaṃ): first

• कार्मुकात् (kārmukāt): from the bow

• तस्य (tasya): of him/that

• निश्चेरुः (niśceruḥ): issued forth, came out

• धूमराजयः (dhūma-rājayaḥ): lines/streams of smoke

• अनन्तरं (anantaraṃ): thereafter, immediately after

• स्फुलिङ्गानाम् (sphuliṅgānām): of sparks/embers

• कोटयः (koṭayaḥ): crores, tens of millions

• दीप्तवर्चसाम् (dīpta-varcasām): of blazing splendor, radiant in luster

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the episode; dialogue context traditionally framed around Matsya’s teachings to Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Kārmuka (bow)
• Sparks (sphuliṅga)
• Smoke (dhūma)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Portents
• Divine Weaponry
• Cosmic Fire
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

It depicts a classic pralaya-style portent: a supernatural weapon emitting smoke and innumerable fiery sparks, signaling destabilization and the onset of destructive, purifying fire-energy associated with cosmic upheaval.

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

Indirectly, it functions as a warning motif: when extraordinary omens arise, the righteous response is restraint, protection of dependents, and adherence to dharma—seeking wise counsel and performing prescribed rites rather than acting from fear or aggression.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not giving a Vāstu rule directly, the imagery aligns with ritual logic: smoke and sparks evoke homa/agni symbolism—purification and crisis-rites—often recommended in Purāṇic contexts when ominous signs appear.