Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Iconographic Standards for the Navagrahas

Devanagari script

इन्द्रनीलद्युतिः शूली वरदो गृध्रवाहनः बाणबाणासनधरः कर्तव्यो ऽर्कसुतस् तथा //

Transliteration

indranīladyutiḥ śūlī varado gṛdhravāhanaḥ bāṇabāṇāsanadharaḥ kartavyo 'rkasutas tathā //

Translation

Likewise, Śani—the son of Arka (the Sun)—should be fashioned with sapphire-like radiance, bearing a spear, granting boons, riding upon a vulture, and holding arrows and a bow.

Word by Word

• इन्द्रनील-द्युतिः: of sapphire-like radiance

• शूली: spear/trident-bearer (one who holds a śūla)

• वरदः: boon-giver

• गृध्र-वाहनः: whose vehicle is a vulture

• बाण: arrow

• बाणासन-धरः: holder of a bow (lit. bow-weapon)

• कर्तव्यः: should be made/constructed (as an image)

• अर्क-सुतः: the son of Arka (Sun), i.e., Śani

• तथा: likewise/also.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on iconographic rules)

Entities Mentioned

• Arkasuta (Śani)
• Arka (Surya)
• Gṛdhra (vulture)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Navagraha
• Temple Ritual
• Matsya Purana Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it gives iconographic specifications for crafting the image of Śani (the Sun’s son) for worship.

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

It supports the dharma of proper worship and public religiosity: kings and householders are instructed to commission and install correctly formed deity/planetary images to maintain auspicious order and ritual propriety.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It is a pratimā-lakṣaṇa guideline: Śani’s murti should be sapphire-hued and shown with specific attributes (śūla, bow and arrows) and a vulture mount—details used for temple installation, navagraha shrines, and consecration rites.