Shloka 19

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

Devanagari script

तासां चतुःशतं नाड्यो वर्षन्ते चित्रमूर्तयः चन्दनाश्चैव मेध्याश्च केतनाश् चेतनास्तथा //

Transliteration

tāsāṃ catuḥśataṃ nāḍyo varṣante citramūrtayaḥ candanāścaiva medhyāśca ketanāś cetanāstathā //

Translation

Of these, four hundred channels (nāḍīs) pour forth, of wondrous forms: some are fragrant like sandalwood, some are purifying and fit for rites, and others are also named Ketanā and Cetanā.

Word by Word

tāsāmof those (among them)

catuḥśatamfour hundred

nāḍyaḥchannels/tubular conduits (subtle or sacred water-courses)

varṣanteflow forth/pour down/issue

citra-mūrtayaḥof variegated or wondrous forms/manifestations

candanāḥ‘Candanā’ (sandal-scented / a named channel)

ca evaand indeed

medhyāḥpurifying, ritually fit (for yajña/śrāddha/ācamanīya)

caand

ketanāḥ‘Ketanā’ (a named channel)

cetanāḥ‘Cetanā’ (a named channel)

tathālikewise/also.

Speaker

Suta (narrator), recounting the Matsya Purana’s description within the dialogue framework

Entities Mentioned

Nāḍīs (sacred channels)CandanāMedhyāKetanāCetanā

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it classifies sacred ‘nāḍīs’ (channels) and their qualities, emphasizing auspicious, purifying waters used in religious contexts.

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

It supports dharmic practice by identifying waters considered medhya (ritually pure), guiding householders and rulers in selecting proper water sources for rites, consecrations, and public religious works.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights ‘medhya’ waters suitable for ceremonies; in Vastu/temple practice, it implies that the presence and quality of water-channels near a site can be auspicious and relevant for consecration and daily worship.