Shloka 70

Matsya Purana — Yadu Lineage

Devanagari script

रक्षां काव्येन संहृत्य देवास्ते ऽप्यसुरार्दिताः काव्यं दृष्ट्वा स्थितं देवा निःशङ्कमसुराञ्जहुः //

Transliteration

rakṣāṃ kāvyena saṃhṛtya devāste 'pyasurārditāḥ kāvyaṃ dṛṣṭvā sthitaṃ devā niḥśaṅkamasurāñjahuḥ //

Translation

Having secured their protection through the sacred kāvya, those gods—though harassed by the Asuras—on seeing that the kāvya stood firm, became free from fear and drove away the Asuras without hesitation.

Word by Word

• रक्षाम् (rakṣām): protection, safeguard

• काव्येन (kāvyena): by the kāvya (sacred protective composition/incantatory hymn)

• संहृत्य (saṃhṛtya): having gathered/secured/obtained

• देवाः (devāḥ): the gods

• ते अपि (te 'pi): they also/those indeed

• असुरार्दिताः (asurārditāḥ): tormented/oppressed by Asuras

• काव्यम् (kāvyam): the kāvya (protective hymn/formula)

• दृष्ट्वा (dṛṣṭvā): having seen

• स्थितम् (sthitam): standing firm/established/effective

• देवाः (devāḥ): the gods

• निःशङ्कम् (niḥśaṅkam): without fear, without doubt

• असुरान् (asurān): the Asuras

• जहुः (jahuḥ): they abandoned/drove off/repelled.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the episode (within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Devas
• Asuras
• Kāvya (protective hymn/formula)

Tags

• Deva-Asura
• Raksha
• Mantra
• Protective Hymn
• Puranic Warfare

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it highlights protective sacred power (kāvya/rakṣā) enabling the Devas to overcome Asuric oppression—showing how ritual-spiritual means restore cosmic order.

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

It implies a dharmic model of protection: when threatened, one should establish lawful safeguards—through mantra, worship, and disciplined conduct—then act decisively and fearlessly against disorder.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it points to rakṣā-kāvya as a protective rite (kavaca-like safeguard). While not Vāstu-specific, it supports the broader Purāṇic idea of consecrated protection for persons, armies, and sacred spaces.