Padma Purana — Srishti Khanda, Shloka 153
Brahmin Conduct, Purificatory Baths, and the Garuḍa–Nectar Episode
Illustrative Narrative
नखैरशनिसंकाशैर्बिभेद गरुडो गजम् । मातलि च रथं चक्रं तथा देवान्पुरस्सरान्
nakhairaśanisaṃkāśairbibheda garuḍo gajam | mātali ca rathaṃ cakraṃ tathā devānpurassarān
વજ્રસમાન નખોથી ગરુડે હાથીને ચીરી નાખ્યો; તેમજ માતલિ, રથ, ચક્ર અને આગળ રહેલા દેવગણોને પણ પાડી દીધા।
Narrator (contextual; specific speaker not explicit in the supplied verse alone)
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: celestial_realm
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नखैरशनिसंकाशैः = नखैः अशनि-संकाशैः; देवान्पुरस्सरान् = देवान् पुरस्सरान् (पुरः+सर); मातलि (नाम) अत्र कर्मपदे द्वितीया
FAQs
Mātali is traditionally known as Indra’s charioteer, frequently appearing in Purāṇic and epic battle narratives involving the devas.
It emphasizes Garuḍa’s overwhelming, vajra-like force—his claws are portrayed as weapons with the destructive power of a lightning bolt.
The verse highlights the theme of irresistible might in cosmic conflicts—where even exalted beings can be routed—often serving as a reminder of the limits of power when confronted by a divinely empowered opponent.