Shloka 88

Matsya Purana — Hiranyakashipu’s Boons

Devanagari script

कनकरजतचित्रवेदिकायां परिहृतरत्नविचित्रवीथिकायाम् स ददर्श मृगाधिपः सभायां सुरचितरत्नगवाक्षशोभितायाम् //

Transliteration

kanakarajatacitravedikāyāṃ parihṛtaratnavicitravīthikāyām sa dadarśa mṛgādhipaḥ sabhāyāṃ suracitaratnagavākṣaśobhitāyām //

Translation

In that assembly-hall—whose platforms were adorned with patterns of gold and silver, whose aisles were set apart and richly variegated with gems, and whose windows (gavākṣas) shone with exquisitely inlaid jewels—the lord of beasts (the lion) beheld it all.

Word by Word

• kanaka: gold

• rajata: silver

• citra: patterned/variegated

• vedikāyām: on the platform/raised altar-like terrace

• parihṛta: set apart/arranged separately/encircled

• ratna: gem/jewel

• vicitra: multicoloured/wondrous

• vīthikāyām: in the aisle/gallery/walkway

• saḥ: he

• dadarśa: saw/beheld

• mṛga-adhipaḥ: lord of beasts (lion)

• sabhāyām: in the assembly-hall/court

• su-racita: well-crafted/exquisitely made

• ratna-gavākṣa: jewel-inlaid window/opening (gavākṣa)

• śobhitāyām: adorned/beautified.

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narration within the Matsya Purana’s descriptive passage; speaker not explicitly marked in this verse)

Entities Mentioned

• mṛgādhipa (lion)
• sabhā (assembly-hall)
• gavākṣa (architectural window/opening)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Puranic architecture
• Royal court
• Sabhā-mandapa
• Ornamentation

FAQs

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

Nothing directly about Pralaya is stated here; the verse is a visual description of an opulent, well-designed assembly-hall, emphasizing crafted beauty rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

It reflects the royal duty of maintaining a dignified sabhā (court/assembly space) where governance, justice, and counsel can occur—suggesting that order, refinement, and proper public spaces are part of righteous rule.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Key Vastu/architectural features are highlighted: a decorated vedikā (raised platform), organized vīthikā (aisles/galleries), and ornamented gavākṣas (window-openings), indicating standards for mandapa/sabhā layout and aesthetic embellishment.