Shloka 70

Matsya Purana — Hiranyakashipu’s Boons

Devanagari script

स्त्रीसहस्रैः परिवृतो विचित्राभरणाम्बरः अनर्घ्यमणिवज्रार्चिः शिखाज्वलितकुण्डलः //

Transliteration

strīsahasraiḥ parivṛto vicitrābharaṇāmbaraḥ anarghyamaṇivajrārciḥ śikhājvalitakuṇḍalaḥ //

Translation

Surrounded by a thousand women, he wore wondrous ornaments and garments; he shone with the radiance of priceless jewels and diamonds, and his earrings blazed like a flame at the crest (of his head).

Word by Word

• स्त्रीसहस्रैः: by thousands of women

• परिवृतः: surrounded/encircled

• विचित्र: variegated/wondrous

• आभरण: ornaments

• अम्बरः: garment/raiment

• अनर्घ्य: priceless/invaluable

• मणि: jewel/gem

• वज्र: diamond/adamant/thunderbolt (here: diamond-like gem)

• अर्चिः: radiance/flame-like lustre

• शिखा: crest/topknot/flame-tip/summit

• ज्वलित: blazing/shining

• कुण्डलः: earring(s)

Speaker

• Sūta (narrative voice, describing a resplendent figure within the chapter’s portrayal)

Tags

• Iconography
• Royal Splendour
• Ornaments
• Visual Description
• Pratima Lakshana

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on visual splendour—ornaments, radiance, attendants—typical of iconographic or courtly description rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it reflects ideals of royal/auspicious presentation—order, prosperity, and dignified adornment—often used in the Matsya Purana to signal sovereignty, fortune (śrī), and ceremonial propriety.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The emphasis on ornaments, garments, and jewel-like radiance aligns with pratima-lakṣaṇa (iconographic detailing) used by temple artists and ritual planners to depict auspicious brilliance in images and festival processions.