Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — Genealogy and Classification of Sacred Fires

Devanagari script

स्वाभिधानस्थिता धिष्ण्यास् तासूत्पन्नाश्च धिष्णवः धिष्ण्येषु जज्ञिरे यस्मात् ततस्ते धिष्णवः स्मृताः //

Transliteration

svābhidhānasthitā dhiṣṇyās tāsūtpannāśca dhiṣṇavaḥ dhiṣṇyeṣu jajñire yasmāt tataste dhiṣṇavaḥ smṛtāḥ //

Translation

The dhiṣṇyas are established according to their own proper designations; and from them arise the dhiṣṇavas. Because they originate within the dhiṣṇyas, they are therefore remembered as “dhiṣṇavas.”

Word by Word

svābhidhāna-sthitāḥestablished by their own names/technical designations

dhiṣṇyāḥdhiṣṇyas (designated bases/seats—ritual or architectural platforms)

tāsuin/among them (i.e., in those dhiṣṇyas)

utpannāḥarisen/produced

caand

dhiṣṇavaḥdhiṣṇavas (entities/structures so named as arising from dhiṣṇyas)

dhiṣṇyeṣuin the dhiṣṇyas

jajñirewere born/originated

yasmātbecause/since

tataḥtherefore/from that reason

tethey

dhiṣṇavaḥdhiṣṇavas

smṛtāḥare called/are remembered as

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, Vastuvidya context)

Entities Mentioned

DhiṣṇyaDhiṣṇava

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic pralaya; it explains technical derivation of names in Vastu/ritual architecture—‘dhiṣṇava’ is defined as that which originates in a ‘dhiṣṇya’.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic practice by insisting on correct technical nomenclature and proper specification of ritual/architectural components—important for kings and householders sponsoring temples, altars, or consecrations to be done accurately.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It provides a definitional rule used in Vastu/ritual manuals: structures or components termed ‘dhiṣṇava’ are so called because they arise or are situated within ‘dhiṣṇyas’ (designated bases/seats/platforms).