Shloka 2

Matsya Purana — Emergence of Brahmā from the Golden Lotus and the Lotus-Form Earth

Devanagari script

यस्मिन्हिरण्मये पद्मे बहुयोजनविस्तृतम् सर्वतेजोगुणमयं पार्थिवैर्लक्षणैर्वृतम् //

Transliteration

yasminhiraṇmaye padme bahuyojanavistṛtam sarvatejoguṇamayaṃ pārthivairlakṣaṇairvṛtam //

Translation

Within that golden lotus—spreading across many yojanas—there was a form made of the quality of universal radiance, encircled by the earthly (material) marks and characteristics.

Word by Word

• yasmin: in which

• hiraṇmaye: made of gold, golden

• padme: in the lotus

• bahu-yojana-vistṛtam: extended over many yojanas (vast in measure)

• sarva-tejo-guṇa-mayam: consisting of the quality of all splendor/radiance

• pārthivaiḥ: by earthly/material

• lakṣaṇaiḥ: marks, distinguishing characteristics (iconographic signs)

• vṛtam: surrounded, encompassed

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lotus (Padma)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Sacred Geometry
• Cosmic Symbolism

FAQs

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

It presents a cosmic-scale image (a golden lotus spanning many yojanas) that functions as a creation-symbol: radiance (tejas) taking form while still bearing material (pārthiva) characteristics—typical of Purāṇic cosmology describing manifested order emerging from subtle brilliance.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces the Matsya Purana’s principle that visible order should mirror cosmic order: rulers and householders are urged to establish spaces, rituals, and images with correct lakṣaṇas (defining marks), so governance and domestic life remain aligned with dharma and auspicious design.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse uses technical iconographic language—lakṣaṇa (defining marks) and vast measurement (yojana)—supporting Vastu/Pratima guidelines: sacred forms are to be conceived with precise characteristics and proportion, combining luminous symbolism (tejas) with tangible materials (pārthiva).