Matsya Purana — Description of the Daitya–Dānava War Preparations and Maya’s Divine Chariots, Shloka 5
स्वक्षं रथवरोदारं सूपस्थं गगनोपमम् गदापरिघसम्पूर्णं मूर्तिमन्तमिवार्णवम् //
svakṣaṃ rathavarodāraṃ sūpasthaṃ gaganopamam gadāparighasampūrṇaṃ mūrtimantamivārṇavam //
सु-अक्षांनी युक्त तो श्रेष्ठ रथ भव्य व विशाल होता; आसन सुस्थित, आकाशासारखा विस्तीर्ण; गदा व परिघांनी परिपूर्ण होऊन तो जणू साकार समुद्रच भासत होता।
FAQs
It uses cosmic similes—sky and ocean—to convey immeasurable vastness and power; while not describing Pralaya directly, the “ocean embodied” image resonates with flood-and-cosmos symbolism common in Pralaya theology.
By foregrounding the chariot and weapons, it aligns with kṣatriya ideals in Purāṇic ethics: readiness to protect dharma, maintain order, and uphold righteous governance through disciplined strength.
The verse functions as a lakṣaṇa-style description (defining features): it models how sacred or royal objects are to be envisioned—proportionate, “well-made,” complete with attributes—principles also applied in consecration imagery and iconographic specification.