Shloka 9

Matsya Purana — Description of Himavat

Devanagari script

आपानभूमौ गलितैर् गन्धर्वाप्सरसां क्वचित् पुष्पैः संतानकादीनां दिव्यैस्तम् उपशोभितम् //

Transliteration

āpānabhūmau galitair gandharvāpsarasāṃ kvacit puṣpaiḥ saṃtānakādīnāṃ divyaistam upaśobhitam //

Translation

In the drinking-grounds, here and there it was beautified by divine blossoms—such as those of the santānaka tree—fallen down from the Gandharvas and Apsarases.

Word by Word

• आपानभूमौ: in the drinking-place/banqueting ground

• गलितैः: fallen, dropped

• गन्धर्वाप्सरसाम्: of the Gandharvas and Apsarases

• क्वचित्: in places, here and there

• पुष्पैः: with flowers

• संतानकादीनाम्: of santānaka and other (celestial trees)

• दिव्यैः: divine, heavenly

• तम्: that (place/object)

• उपशोभितम्: adorned, made splendid

Speaker

• Suta (narrative description within the Matsya Purana’s discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Gandharvas
• Apsarases
• Santānaka (celestial tree)

Tags

• Vastu
• Sacred geography
• Celestial gardens
• Iconography ambience
• Puranic aesthetics

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is an aesthetic description of a divine locale, emphasizing heavenly ornamentation through celestial flowers and beings.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ideal that royal halls, assembly spaces, and household festive areas should be kept auspicious and beautiful—adorned with flowers and pleasing arrangements that elevate dharmic culture.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It highlights the Vastu-aligned principle of auspicious decoration: adorning key gathering areas (such as banquet/drinking grounds) with flowers and fragrant, pure elements to enhance sanctity, prosperity, and celebratory ritual mood.