Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

वृत्ताकृतिप्रमाणश्च चतुरस्रः समाहितः नानावर्णैः समः पार्श्वैः प्रजापतिगुणान्वितः //

Transliteration

vṛttākṛtipramāṇaśca caturasraḥ samāhitaḥ nānāvarṇaiḥ samaḥ pārśvaiḥ prajāpatiguṇānvitaḥ //

Translation

Its measure is fixed by a circular proportion, yet it is arranged as a well-composed square; its sides are equal, marked with various colors, and it is endowed with the qualities of Prajāpati, the Lord of creation.

Word by Word

• vṛtta-ākṛti: circular form

• pramāṇaḥ: measurement/standard

• ca: and

• caturasraḥ: four-sided/square

• samāhitaḥ: properly arranged, well-composed

• nānā-varṇaiḥ: with various colors

• samaḥ: equal, even

• pārśvaiḥ: with sides

• prajā-pati: Prajāpati (creator, lord of progeny)

• guṇa-anvitaḥ: possessed of qualities/endowed with attributes

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on Vāstu/ritual-architectural procedure)

Entities Mentioned

• Prajāpati

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Vastu Mandala
• Temple Architecture
• Iconography
• Ritual Design

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; instead it frames sacred architectural order as “Prajāpati-like,” linking building design to creation-principles (cosmic generation and harmonious proportion).

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

It supports the duty to build dwellings, temples, and civic spaces according to dharmic standards—equal-sided, well-proportioned plans with prescribed markings—so that settlements and worship-sites align with auspicious, orderly creation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It highlights the vāstu-maṇḍala ideal: a carefully composed square plan, equal on all sides, ritually marked with multiple colors—an encoded diagram of creative order attributed to Prajāpati.