Shloka 38

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

Devanagari script

उदयादित्यसंकाशैः सूर्यचन्द्रनिभैस्तथा तपनीयसवर्णैश्च अतसीपुष्पसंनिभैः //

Transliteration

udayādityasaṃkāśaiḥ sūryacandranibhaistathā tapanīyasavarṇaiśca atasīpuṣpasaṃnibhaiḥ //

Translation

They are radiant like the rising sun, like the sun and the moon; of the hue of refined gold, and resembling the blossom of the atāsī (flax) flower.

Word by Word

• udaya-āditya: the sun at sunrise

• saṃkāśaiḥ: having the appearance/splendour of

• sūrya: the sun

• candra: the moon

• nibhaiḥ: similar to, comparable with

• tathā: and also

• tapanīya: refined gold

• sa-varṇaiḥ: of the same colour/hue

• ca: and

• atasī: flax plant (linseed)

• puṣpa: flower

• saṃnibhaiḥ: resembling, akin to

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Surya
• Chandra

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Divine Radiance
• Murti Description
• Puranic Temple Art

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it focuses on iconographic radiance—how divine forms or images should be envisioned as luminous like the sun, moon, and gold.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic duties by guiding proper worship: kings and householders are to commission and venerate deity forms with scripturally described splendour, ensuring orthodox ritual and patronage of temples.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It provides a key visual standard for pratima (icon) conception—divine brilliance and auspicious hues (sunrise, gold, atasī-flower tone) used by sculptors and ritualists in temple-image design and consecration contexts.