Shloka 37

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

Devanagari script

बह्वर्थश्चन्द इत्येष प्रधानो धातुरुच्यते शुक्लत्वे ह्यमृतत्वे च शीतत्वे ह्लादने ऽपि च //

Transliteration

bahvarthaścanda ityeṣa pradhāno dhāturucyate śuklatve hyamṛtatve ca śītatve hlādane 'pi ca //

Translation

The root called “canda,” rich in meanings, is said to be a principal root; for it conveys whiteness, the amṛta-like quality of immortality, coolness, and also delight and refreshment.

Word by Word

• बह्वर्थ (bahvartha): having many meanings

• चन्द (canda): the term/root ‘canda’ (technical designation)

• इति (iti): thus

• एष (eṣa): this

• प्रधानः (pradhānaḥ): principal, primary

• धातुः (dhātuḥ): verbal root/base (also ‘element’ in technical usage)

• उच्यते (ucyate): is said/called

• शुक्लत्वे (śuklatve): in the sense of whiteness/brightness

• हि (hi): indeed

• अमृतत्वे (amṛtatve): in the sense of immortality/nectar-like quality

• च (ca): and

• शीतत्वे (śītatve): in the sense of coolness

• ह्लादने (hlādane): in the sense of delight, refreshment

• अपि (api): also

• च (ca): and.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Iconography
• Technical Glossary
• Auspicious Qualities
• Pratima Lakshana

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; instead, it provides a technical semantic definition used to classify auspicious qualities—brightness/whiteness, amṛta-like immortality, coolness, and delight—often associated with sattvic, life-sustaining forces in ritual and iconography.

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

By defining qualities like coolness, purity, and life-giving ‘amṛta’ symbolism, the verse supports dharmic standards for commissioning images, rituals, and sacred spaces—acts typically patronized by kings and householders for public welfare, merit, and social stability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse functions as a glossary line for iconography/ritual aesthetics: terms implying whiteness, coolness, and delight guide material/visual choices (e.g., bright, soothing, sattvic attributes) when designing or consecrating deity images and temple environments.