Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Iconographic Standards for the Navagrahas

Devanagari script

पीतमाल्याम्बरधरः कर्णिकारसमद्युतिः खड्गचर्मगदापाणिः सिंहस्थो वरदो बुधः //

Transliteration

pītamālyāmbaradharaḥ karṇikārasamadyutiḥ khaḍgacarmagadāpāṇiḥ siṃhastho varado budhaḥ //

Translation

He wears a yellow garland and yellow garments, shining like the karṇikāra flower. In his hands are a sword, a shield, and a mace; seated upon a lion, Budha the wise bestows boons.

Word by Word

• pīta: yellow

• mālyā: garland

• ambara: garment/raiment

• dharaḥ: bearer/wearer

• karṇikāra: the karṇikāra flower

• sama-dyutiḥ: of समान (equal) radiance, shining like

• khaḍga: sword

• carma: hide/leather, shield

• gadā: mace/club

• pāṇiḥ: hand (having in the hand)

• siṃhasthaḥ: seated/standing on a lion

• varadaḥ: boon-giver

• budhaḥ: wise, intelligent (also a title meaning “the enlightened one”).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching iconographic canons to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Lion (Siṃha)
• Karṇikāra flower

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Vastu Shastra
• Temple Art
• Deity Attributes

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it belongs to the iconography section, specifying how a boon-bestowing deity should be depicted—color, radiance, weapons, and vāhana (lion).

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

Indirectly, it guides kings and householders who commission temples or images: correct iconographic features (weapons, posture, mount, auspicious colors) are part of dharmic patronage and proper worship practice described in the Matsya Purana.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It provides pratimā-lakṣaṇa (image-specification) used by sthapatis and priests: the yellow attire/garland, lion-seat, and the set of weapons are ritual-visual markers ensuring the image is made and installed according to śāstric norms.