Shloka 6

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

Devanagari script

पद्मकैश्चन्दनैर्बिल्वैः कपित्थै रक्तचन्दनैः माताम्ररिष्टकाक्षोटैर् अब्दकैश्च तथार्जुनैः //

Transliteration

padmakaiścandanairbilvaiḥ kapitthai raktacandanaiḥ mātāmrariṣṭakākṣoṭair abdakaiśca tathārjunaiḥ //

Translation

With padmaka wood, sandalwood, bilva, kapittha, red sandalwood, mātā-āmra, ariṣṭa, ākṣoṭa (walnut), abda (a suitable timber), and likewise arjuna—these are prescribed and commended.

Word by Word

• padmakaiḥ: with padmaka trees/wood

• candanaiḥ: with sandalwood

• bilvaiḥ: with bilva wood

• kapitthaiḥ: with kapittha wood

• raktacandanaiḥ: with red sandalwood

• mātāmr(a): with māta-āmra (a mango-related/sacred timber, likely a variety used ritually)

• ariṣṭa: with ariṣṭa wood (auspicious tree, commonly neem-related in later usage)

• ākṣoṭaiḥ: with walnuts/ākṣoṭa wood

• abdakaiḥ: with abda trees/wood (a usable timber species

• tathā: and also/likewise

• arjunaiḥ: with arjuna wood (Terminalia arjuna).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Padmaka
• Chandana (Sandalwood)
• Bilva
• Kapittha
• Raktachandana (Red sandalwood)
• Arjuna

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple materials
• Sacred woods
• Ritual items
• Purana guidance

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it is a practical prescription listing auspicious woods/trees suitable for sacred use, consistent with the Matsya Purana’s Vastu and ritual-material guidance.

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

It supports the dharmic duty of maintaining proper rites and building or endowing sacred structures correctly—kings and householders are advised to use approved, auspicious materials when commissioning temples, yajña implements, or consecratory items.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It provides an approved materials list—specific sacred timbers (e.g., sandalwood, bilva, arjuna) used for construction elements and ritual implements, aligning with Puranic vastu norms about purity, auspiciousness, and suitability of wood.