Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity, Shloka 128

Devanagari script

तथा षोडशहस्तः स्यान् मण्डपश्च चतुर्मुखः पूर्वद्वारे च संस्थाप्य बह्वृचं वेदपारगम् //

Transliteration

tathā ṣoḍaśahastaḥ syān maṇḍapaśca caturmukhaḥ pūrvadvāre ca saṃsthāpya bahvṛcaṃ vedapāragam //

Translation

Ebenso soll der Maṇḍapa (Ritualpavillon) sechzehn Hasta messen und vierseitig offen sein („viergesichtig“). Am östlichen Tor ist ein Bahvṛca aufzustellen, ein kundiger Kenner des Veda (Ṛgveda).

Word by Word

• tathā: likewise

• ṣoḍaśa-hastaḥ: sixteen cubits (in measure)

• syāt: should be

• maṇḍapaḥ: pavilion/mandapa

• ca: and

• caturmukhaḥ: four-faced, open on four sides

• pūrva-dvāre: at the eastern gate/doorway

• ca: and

• saṃsthāpya: having installed/placed, one should station

• bahvṛcam: a Bahvṛca (Ṛgvedic reciter/priest)

• veda-pāragam: one who has mastered the Veda, a consummate Vedic scholar

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Bahvṛca
• Veda

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple Architecture
• Mandapa
• Ritual Procedure
• East Direction

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it gives Vastuvidya guidance on mandapa measurement and the ritual placement of a Vedic expert at the eastern entrance.

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

It frames dharmic duty as correct patronage and supervision of sacred construction and rites—ensuring proper dimensions, orientation, and qualified Vedic officiants for public or household-sponsored worship.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it prescribes a sixteen-cubit, four-sided mandapa; ritually, it instructs placing a Ṛgvedic specialist (Bahvṛca) at the east gate, highlighting the auspicious and primary status of the eastern entrance.