Matsya Purana — War of Devas and Dānavas: Yama and Kubera Defeated; Kālanemi’s Māyā and the A..., Shloka 157

Devanagari script

देवानां दानवं रूपं दानवानां च दैविकम् मत्वा सुरान्स्वकानेव जघ्ने घोरास्त्रलाघवात् //

Transliteration

devānāṃ dānavaṃ rūpaṃ dānavānāṃ ca daivikam matvā surānsvakāneva jaghne ghorāstralāghavāt //

Translation

தேவர்கள் அசுர வடிவிலும், அசுரர்கள் தேவ வடிவிலும் இருப்பதாக எண்ணி, அவர் பயங்கரமான ஆயுதங்களைக் கொண்டு தனது தேவர்களையே தாக்கினார்.

Word by Word

• देवानाम् (devānām): of the gods/Devas

• दानवम् (dānavam): demonic, belonging to the Danavas

• रूपम् (rūpam): form/appearance

• दानवानाम् (dānavānām): of the Danavas (demons)

• च (ca): and

• दैविकम् (daivikam): divine, belonging to the Devas

• मत्वा (matvā): having thought/assuming

• सुरान् (surān): the gods (Devas)

• स्वकान् (svakān): one’s own (people/side)

• एव (eva): indeed/as if

• जघ्ने (jaghne): he struck/killed

• घोर (ghora): terrible/fearsome

• अस्त्र (astra): weapon/missile

• लाघवात् (lāghavāt): from quickness/lightness, i.e., rapidity and skill

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing the battle episode within Matsya Purana’s martial narrative

Entities Mentioned

• Devas
• Danavas
• Suras

Tags

• Deva-Asura war
• Illusion
• Misrecognition
• Astra-vidya
• Puranic battle

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights māyā-like confusion in a cosmic battle—misperceiving identities leads to catastrophic action, a theme often echoed in Purāṇic accounts of cosmic disorder.

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

It underscores the dharmic need for viveka (discernment): a ruler or householder must verify allies and enemies before acting, since rash action under confusion can cause harm to one’s rightful side—an ethical warning relevant to governance and judgment.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is specified here; the technical focus is on astra-lāghava—martial proficiency and rapid weapon-use—rather than temple architecture or rites.