Shloka 36

Matsya Purana — Brahmā’s Four Faces

Devanagari script

अथ प्रदक्षिणं चक्रे सा पितुर् वरवर्णिनी पुत्रेभ्यो लज्जितस्यास्य तद्रूपालोकनेच्छया //

Transliteration

atha pradakṣiṇaṃ cakre sā pitur varavarṇinī putrebhyo lajjitasyāsya tadrūpālokanecchayā //

Translation

Then that fair-complexioned lady circumambulated her father, for he—ashamed in the presence of his sons—still wished to behold her beauty (form).

Word by Word

• atha: then

• pradakṣiṇam: circumambulation (clockwise reverential circling)

• cakre: did/performed

• sā: she

• pituḥ: of (her) father

• vara-varṇinī: the excellent/fair-complexioned (lady)

• putrebhyaḥ: in the presence of/with regard to the sons

• lajjitasya: of one who was ashamed

• asya: of him/this (father)

• tad-rūpa: her form/beauty

• ālokana: seeing/beholding

• icchayā: with the desire/intent

Speaker

• Primary narrator (Purāṇic narration; traditionally Sūta recounting the Matsya Purāṇa discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Father
• Sons
• Lady (varavarṇinī)

Tags

• Pradakshina
• Ritual etiquette
• Family honor
• Royal narrative
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya or cosmology; it focuses on social conduct and a ritual gesture (pradakṣiṇā) within a family/royal narrative context.

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

It highlights norms of modesty (lajjā) and propriety within the family sphere, suggesting that even strong personal desire (to behold beauty) is moderated by social decorum and the presence of heirs/sons—an implicit dharma lesson for householders and rulers.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual element is pradakṣiṇā—clockwise circumambulation—used as a sign of reverence and auspicious observance; while not architectural in itself, it is closely associated with temple and sacred-space practice in later Vāstu and ritual traditions.