Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — Description of Atri’s Hermitage: Sacred Grove Planning

Devanagari script

रक्ताशोकैस् तथाशोकैर् आकल्लैर् अविचारकैः मुचुकुन्दैस्तथा कुन्दैर् आटरूषपरूषकैः //

Transliteration

raktāśokais tathāśokair ākallair avicārakaiḥ mucukundaistathā kundair āṭarūṣaparūṣakaiḥ //

Translation

With red aśoka trees (raktāśoka) and also aśokas; with ākalla and avicāraka plants; with mucukunda and likewise kunda; and with āṭarūṣa and parūṣaka as well—the place should be planted and filled with these.

Word by Word

रक्ताशोकैः (raktāśokaiḥ)with red aśoka trees

तथा (tathā)and also

अशोकैः (aśokaiḥ)with aśoka trees

आकल्लैः (ākallaiḥ)with ākalla plants/trees

अविचारकैः (avicārakaiḥ)with avicāraka plants (a named species)

मुचुकुन्दैः (mucukundaiḥ)with mucukunda trees

तथा (tathā)and also

कुन्दैः (kundaiḥ)with kunda (jasmine) plants

आटरूष (āṭarūṣa)āṭarūṣa (a medicinal shrub, commonly identified with vāsa/vasaka group in later usage)

परूषकैः (parūṣakaiḥ)with parūṣaka trees (a named fruiting species)

Speaker

Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s teaching; the passage itself is an instructional listing of recommended plantings)

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a Vastuvidya-style prescription listing auspicious trees and plants to be used in planned gardens or precinct plantings.

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

It supports the duty of orderly settlement-building: a king (or householder managing an estate) is advised to establish well-planted, auspicious, and beneficial groves—enhancing beauty, health, and dharmic order in habitation and sacred spaces.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The architectural significance is landscape specification: selecting named auspicious and often fragrant/medicinal species for gardens around homes, cities, or temples—an element of Vastu planning that complements layout, approach paths, and sacred ambience.