Shloka 66

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Śākadvīpa and Successive Dvīpas: Mountains

Devanagari script

वेणुमण्डलकं चैव तथैव परिकीर्तितम् बलाहकस्य जीमूतः स्वैरथाकारमित्यपि //

Transliteration

veṇumaṇḍalakaṃ caiva tathaiva parikīrtitam balāhakasya jīmūtaḥ svairathākāramityapi //

Translation

“Veṇumaṇḍalaka” is also mentioned in the same way. Likewise, forms are described as “Balāhaka,” “Jīmūta,” and also “Svairathākāra.”

Word by Word

• veṇu-maṇḍalakam: “bamboo-circle/hoop-like form” (a technical shape-name)

• ca eva: and indeed/also

• tathā eva: in the same manner/likewise

• parikīrtitam: is stated/enumerated

• balāhakasya: Balāhaka (lit. a rain-cloud

• jīmūtaḥ: Jīmūta (lit. cloud mass

• svairatha-ākāram: Svairathākāra (lit. ‘having the shape of a chariot/vehicle’

• iti api: thus also/so too.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s didactic discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Veṇumaṇḍalaka
• Balāhaka
• Jīmūta
• Svairathākāra

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Pratima Lakshana
• Iconography
• Temple Architecture
• Technical Terminology

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a technical enumeration of named forms/shapes used in iconography or architectural description.

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

Indirectly, it supports royal/householder dharma through correct patronage of temples and images—knowing the proper classified forms helps ensure accurate commissioning and consecration of sacred works.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It preserves standardized shape-names (e.g., Balāhaka, Jīmūta, Svairathākāra) that guide artisans and priests in specifying approved iconographic/architectural profiles for images and related sacred components.