Shloka 60

Matsya Purana — Hiranyakashipu’s Boons

Devanagari script

वरुणो वत्सनाभश्च पनसाः सह चन्दनैः नीपाः सुमनसश्चैव निम्बा अश्वत्थतिन्दुकाः //

Transliteration

varuṇo vatsanābhaśca panasāḥ saha candanaiḥ nīpāḥ sumanasaścaiva nimbā aśvatthatindukāḥ //

Translation

Varuṇa trees, vatsanābha plants, jackfruit trees along with sandalwood, as well as nīpa trees, sumanasa (fragrant flowering trees), neem, the aśvattha (sacred fig), and tinduka are to be included (in the prescribed planting/list of auspicious trees).

Word by Word

• वरुणः (varuṇaḥ): varuṇa tree (commonly identified with Crataeva nurvala/related)

• वत्सनाभः (vatsanābhaḥ): vatsanābha plant (a named medicinal/poisonous herb in classical lists)

• पनसाः (panasāḥ): jackfruit trees

• सह (saha): together with

• चन्दनैः (candanaiḥ): sandalwood trees

• नीपाः (nīpāḥ): nīpa/kadamba-type trees

• सुमनसः (sumanasaḥ): fragrant flowering trees (lit. 'good-minded/pleasant', used as a plant-name)

• च एव (ca eva): and indeed/also

• निम्बाः (nimbāḥ): neem trees

• अश्वत्थ (aśvattha): the sacred fig

• तिन्दुकाः (tindukāḥ): tinduka/ebony/persimmon-type trees (Diospyros spp.).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Varuṇa (tree)
• Vatsanābha (plant)
• Panasa (jackfruit)
• Candana (sandalwood)
• Nīpa (tree)
• Sumanasa (flowering tree)
• Nimba (neem)
• Aśvattha (sacred fig)
• Tinduka (tree)

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Sacred trees
• Temple-garden
• Ritual ecology
• Auspicious plantations

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it is a practical, dharmic listing of trees/plants to be included in auspicious plantations and sacred landscaping.

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

It supports the duty of maintaining beneficial and auspicious groves—planting shade, fruit, fragrance, and sacred trees—an act praised as public welfare (for kings) and merit-making stewardship (for householders).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Such trees are typically prescribed for temple precincts, hermitages, and settlement planning: they enhance sanctity, provide ritual materials (flowers/wood), and align the site with auspicious ecological markers used in Vastu-oriented landscaping.