Shloka 39

Matsya Purana — Bhīma-Dvādaśī

Devanagari script

तथैव विष्णोः शिरसि क्षीरधारां प्रपातयेत् अरत्निमात्रं कुण्डं च कुर्यात्तत्र त्रिमेखलम् //

Transliteration

tathaiva viṣṇoḥ śirasi kṣīradhārāṃ prapātayet aratnimātraṃ kuṇḍaṃ ca kuryāttatra trimekhalam //

Translation

In the same manner, one should pour a continuous stream of milk upon the head of Viṣṇu. And one should also construct there a kuṇḍa (fire-pit) of the measure of one aratni (forearm), furnished with three enclosing girdles (tri-mekhalā).

Word by Word

• तथैव: likewise/in the same way

• विष्णोः: of Viṣṇu

• शिरसि: on the head

• क्षीर-धाराम्: a stream/flow of milk

• प्रपातयेत्: should cause to fall/pour down

• अरत्नि-मात्रम्: measuring one aratni (forearm-length)

• कुण्डम्: ritual pit/fire-pit

• च: and

• कुर्यात्: should make/construct

• तत्र: there/in that place

• त्रि-मेखलम्: having three mekhala-s (three encircling bands/steps/girdles)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu

Tags

• Iconography
• Ritual
• Abhisheka
• TempleConstruction
• VastuShastra

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it prescribes a consecration-style ritual act—pouring milk over Viṣṇu’s head—and gives construction details for a small ritual kuṇḍa.

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

It reflects the householder/royal duty of maintaining proper temple worship and public rites: performing abhiṣeka correctly and building ritual facilities (like a measured kuṇḍa) according to śāstric specifications.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies a standard ritual setup: a one-aratni kuṇḍa and a tri-mekhalā (three-banded/three-stepped enclosure), alongside milk-abhiṣeka to Viṣṇu—details relevant to Puranic temple ritual and Vāstu-aligned construction.