Matsya Purana — Description of the Daitya–Dānava War Preparations and Maya’s Divine Chariots, Shloka 11

Devanagari script

लोहजालेन महता सगवाक्षेण दंशितम् आयसैः परिघैः पूर्णं क्षेपणीयैश्च मुद्गरैः //

Transliteration

lohajālena mahatā sagavākṣeṇa daṃśitam āyasaiḥ parighaiḥ pūrṇaṃ kṣepaṇīyaiśca mudgaraiḥ //

Translation

Kereta itu hendaknya dipasangi kisi-kisi besi yang besar, dengan bukaan berjari-jari palang; dipenuhi palang besi, serta dilengkapi gada dan palu yang dapat dilempar untuk pertahanan.

Word by Word

• loha-jālena: with an iron net/lattice

• mahatā: great, large

• sa-gavākṣeṇa: with gavākṣa-openings/windows (barred apertures)

• daṃśitam: set with teeth, made bristling/armed

• āyasaiḥ: of iron

• parighaiḥ: bars, crossbars, bolts (for blocking/striking)

• pūrṇam: filled, fully provided

• kṣepaṇīyaiḥ: fit to be hurled/throwable

• ca: and

• mudgaraiḥ: mallets, clubs, hammers

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Fortification
• City-gates
• Defence
• Ironwork

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya directly; it focuses on practical defensive construction—how to equip a structure (likely a gate or barrier) with ironwork and weapons.

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

It aligns with royal duty (rājadharma) to protect towns and forts: the ruler should ensure gates and checkpoints are strongly barred and properly armed to deter напад (assault) and maintain public security.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it prescribes fortification details: iron latticework (lohajāla), barred apertures (gavākṣa), iron crossbars (parigha), and defensive implements (throwable mudgaras) as standard security features.