Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — Genealogy and Classification of Sacred Fires

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मज्योतिर् वसुधामा ब्रह्मस्थानीय उच्यते अजैकपादुपस्थेयः स वै शालामुखो यतः //

Transliteration

brahmajyotir vasudhāmā brahmasthānīya ucyate ajaikapādupastheyaḥ sa vai śālāmukho yataḥ //

Translation

He is called the radiance of Brahman and the abode upon the earth; he is also said to occupy Brahmā’s own station. He is to be approached and worshipped as Aja‑Ekapāda; for that reason he is indeed known as Śālāmukha.

Word by Word

• brahma-jyotiḥ: Brahman’s radiance, divine light

• vasu-dhāmā: abode on earth / earthly dwelling of the Vasus (an epithet implying a terrestrial seat)

• brahma-sthānīyaḥ: placed in Brahmā’s position, equivalent to Brahmā’s station

• ucyate: is said, is called

• aja-ekapāda: Aja-Ekapāda (a one-footed/one-legged Rudra-form, a specific iconic/ritual designation)

• upastheyaḥ: to be approached, to be worshipped/attended

• saḥ vai: he indeed

• śālāmukhaḥ: Śālāmukha (epithet/name, lit. “hall/śālā-faced,” an iconographic identifier)

• yataḥ: because, since, for that reason

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahman (Brahmajyoti)
• Brahma
• Aja-Ekapada
• Śālāmukha

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Ritual Identification
• Deity Epithets

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it frames a deity-form as “brahmajyoti” and “brahmasthānīya,” pointing to a cosmic, Brahman-aligned status rather than narrating pralaya events; it emphasizes metaphysical rank used for worship.

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

It supports dharmic practice by giving correct names and theological status for worship; a king or householder is expected to patronize and perform rites with accurate iconographic and mantra-identifications to avoid ritual error.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse functions as an iconographic/ritual identifier: the form to be worshipped is specified as Aja-Ekapāda and marked by the epithet Śālāmukha—useful for selecting/labeling images in temples and for correct invocation during installation and pūjā.