Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — Kailasa

Devanagari script

अप्सरो ऽनुगुप्तो राजा मोदते ह्यलकाधिपः कैलासपादसम्भूतं पुण्यं शीतजलं शुभम् //

Transliteration

apsaro 'nugupto rājā modate hyalakādhipaḥ kailāsapādasambhūtaṃ puṇyaṃ śītajalaṃ śubham //

Translation

Protected by celestial nymphs, the king—lord of Alakā—rejoices, for there is there the auspicious, sacred, cool water that arises from the very foot of Kailāsa.

Word by Word

• apsaraḥ: Apsarases/celestial nymphs

• anuguptaḥ: protected/guarded

• rājā: king

• modate: rejoices/delights

• hi: indeed/for

• alakā-adhipaḥ: the lord of Alakā (Kubera)

• kailāsa-pāda-sambhūtam: arisen from the foot/base of Mount Kailāsa

• puṇyam: holy/meritorious

• śīta-jalam: cool water

• śubham: auspicious/beneficial

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Apsarases
• Alakā
• Kubera (Alakādhipa)
• Mount Kailāsa

Tags

• Tirtha
• Kailasa
• Sacred Waters
• Yaksha-Kubera Lore
• Himalayan Geography

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it highlights sacred geography (tīrtha-māhātmya), praising holy, cool waters believed to originate from Kailāsa and confer merit.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ethic that rulers and householders should honor and protect tīrthas and sacred landscapes; seeking such holy waters is also linked with purification and dharmic pilgrimage.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, the emphasis is on śīta-jala (pure cool water) suitable for snāna (holy bathing) and abhiṣeka (lustration) in worship; it implies the importance of sourcing pure water for temple and household rites.