Shloka 19

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

Devanagari script

कुसुमैः पाटलाभिश्च मल्लिकाकरवीरकैः कुरबकैर् हिमवरैर् जम्बूभिर् नृपजम्बुभिः //

Transliteration

kusumaiḥ pāṭalābhiśca mallikākaravīrakaiḥ kurabakair himavarair jambūbhir nṛpajambubhiḥ //

Translation

With blossoms—pāṭalā flowers, jasmine (mallikā) and karavīra (oleander), kurabaka blooms, the fragrant himavara flowers—and with jambu fruits, including the choice ‘royal’ jambu—the sacred place should be adorned and furnished for worship.

Word by Word

• kusumaiḥ: with flowers/blossoms

• pāṭalābhiḥ: with pāṭalā flowers (Bignonia/Trumpet-flower)

• ca: and

• mallikā: jasmine

• karavīrakaiḥ: with oleanders

• kurabakaiḥ: with kurabaka flowers (a fragrant flowering plant)

• himavaraiḥ: with himavara flowers (cool/fragrant ‘Himalayan’ variety, i.e., prized seasonal blossoms)

• jambūbhiḥ: with jambu fruits/rose-apples

• nṛpa-jambubhiḥ: with ‘kingly/choice’ jambu (a superior variety of jambu).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s instruction, in the larger dialogue tradition attributed to Lord Matsya’s teaching to Manu)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple ritual
• Pūjā materials
• Sacred gardens
• Auspicious flora

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on auspicious botanical items—flowers and fruits—used to beautify and ritually supply a sacred space.

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

It frames a practical dharma of sponsorship and upkeep: a king or householder supports worship by providing pure, fragrant flowers and quality fruits for offerings and for maintaining an auspicious environment.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it lists preferred offerings (flowers/fruits) for pūjā; architecturally (Vāstu context), it implies landscaping/plant selection for temple or sacred precinct ornamentation and sanctity.