Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — Cosmic Architecture of Sun–Moon and the ‘Houses of the Gods’

Devanagari script

*ऋषय ऊचुः यदेतद्भवता प्रोक्तं श्रुतं सर्वमशेषतः कथं देवगृहाणि स्युः पुनर्ज्योतींषि वर्णय //

Transliteration

*ṛṣaya ūcuḥ yadetadbhavatā proktaṃ śrutaṃ sarvamaśeṣataḥ kathaṃ devagṛhāṇi syuḥ punarjyotīṃṣi varṇaya //

Translation

The sages said: “All that you have spoken has been heard by us completely, without remainder. Now explain again—how are the temples of the gods to be made, and also describe the sacred lights, the astral luminaries.”

Word by Word

• ṛṣayaḥ: the sages

• ūcuḥ: said

• yat etat: this which

• bhavatā: by you

• proktam: spoken/declared

• śrutam: heard

• sarvam: all

• aśeṣataḥ: completely, without omission

• katham: how

• deva-gṛhāṇi: houses of the gods, temples

• syuḥ: may be/are to be

• punaḥ: again/now further

• jyotīṃṣi: lights, luminaries (also sacred lamps/astral bodies by context)

• varṇaya: describe, explain in detail.

Speaker

• The sages (Ṛṣis), addressing the principal narrator/teacher (traditionally Lord Matsya instructing Vaivasvata Manu, with sages posing the query).

Entities Mentioned

• Ṛṣis
• Deva-gṛha (temple)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple Architecture
• Ritual Procedure
• Iconography Context
• Jyotiṣa

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it functions as a transition into technical instruction, requesting details on temple construction and the topic of “jyotīṃṣi” (luminaries/lights).

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

By seeking rules for deva-gṛha construction, the verse aligns with the king’s and householder’s dharma of supporting public worship, commissioning temples, and ensuring rites are performed according to śāstra.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It explicitly introduces Vāstuvidyā concerns—how temples should be made—and signals an associated discussion of “jyotīṃṣi,” commonly tied to auspicious timing/astral considerations or ritual lighting within sacred construction and worship.