Shloka 89

Matsya Purana — Yadu Lineage

Devanagari script

रणे विजेतुं देवांश्च न शक्ष्यामः कथंचन अयुद्धेन प्रपत्स्यामः शरणं काव्यमातरम् //

Transliteration

raṇe vijetuṃ devāṃśca na śakṣyāmaḥ kathaṃcana ayuddhena prapatsyāmaḥ śaraṇaṃ kāvyamātaram //

Translation

We are in no way able to defeat the gods in battle. Therefore, without fighting, let us seek refuge in Kāvyamātā, the Mother of sacred poetry.

Word by Word

• रणे: in battle

• विजेतुम्: to conquer/defeat

• देवान्: the gods

• च: and

• न: not

• शक्ष्यामः: we are able/shall be able

• कथंचन: in any way/at all

• अयुद्धेन: without fighting, non-violently/by avoiding combat

• प्रपत्स्यामः: we shall resort/submit/seek refuge

• शरणम्: refuge, protection

• काव्यमातरम्: Kāvyamātā, the Mother of poetry (a goddess associated with inspired speech).

Speaker

• Asuras (speaking among themselves, resolving on a strategy of refuge rather than battle)

Entities Mentioned

• Devas
• Kāvyamātā

Tags

• Devāsura war
• Śaraṇāgati
• Stuti
• Strategy
• Sacred speech

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on a crisis strategy in a divine conflict, emphasizing refuge (śaraṇāgati) rather than cosmological dissolution.

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

Ethically, it supports the Matsya Purana’s broader counsel that when victory is impossible and violence is futile, one may choose restraint and seek higher guidance—an approach aligned with prudent statecraft and self-control.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated; the ritual dimension is implied through taking refuge in a deity connected with inspired speech (kāvya), suggesting prayer/hymn as a non-violent means of protection.