Shloka 75

Matsya Purana — Hiranyakashipu’s Boons

Devanagari script

मिश्रकेशी च रम्भा च चित्रलेखा शुचिस्मिता चारुकेशी घृताची च मेनका चोर्वशी तथा //

Transliteration

miśrakeśī ca rambhā ca citralekhā śucismitā cārukeśī ghṛtācī ca menakā corvaśī tathā //

Translation

Miśrakeśī, Rambhā, Citralekhā, Śucismitā, Cārukeśī, Ghṛtācī, Menakā, and likewise Urvaśī—these (celestial nymphs) are named.

Word by Word

• miśrakeśī: Miśrakeśī (name of an apsaras)

• ca: and

• rambhā: Rambhā (apsaras)

• ca: and

• citralekhā: Citralekhā (apsaras)

• śucismitā: Śucismitā (the one with a pure/bright smile

• cārukeśī: Cārukeśī (the lovely-haired

• ghṛtācī: Ghṛtācī (apsaras)

• ca: and

• menakā: Menakā (apsaras)

• ca: and

• urvaśī: Urvaśī (apsaras)

• tathā: likewise/also

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) reporting a traditional list within the Matsya Purana’s discourse

Entities Mentioned

• Miśrakeśī
• Rambhā
• Citralekhā
• Śucismitā
• Cārukeśī
• Ghṛtācī
• Menakā
• Urvaśī
• Apsarases

Tags

• Apsaras
• Divine beings
• Name-list
• Puranic cosmology
• Genealogy

FAQs

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

Nothing directly about Pralaya is taught here; the verse functions as a catalog of celestial apsarases, a cosmological listing rather than a flood/dissolution instruction.

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

Indirectly, it serves as a cautionary background: apsarases are often portrayed in Purāṇic literature as embodiments of allure; such lists commonly appear in contexts reminding rulers and householders to maintain self-control (dama) and dharma amid temptations.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is specified in this verse; it is purely nominative (a names-list) and does not prescribe temple-building rules, measurements, or rites.