Shloka 26

Matsya Purana — Lineage of the Pitṛs

Devanagari script

वाराणस्यां विशालाक्षी नैमिषे लिङ्गधारिणी प्रयागे ललिता देवी कामाक्षी गन्धमादने मानसे कुमुदा नाम विश्वकाया तथाम्बरे //

Transliteration

vārāṇasyāṃ viśālākṣī naimiṣe liṅgadhāriṇī prayāge lalitā devī kāmākṣī gandhamādane mānase kumudā nāma viśvakāyā tathāmbare //

Translation

In Vārāṇasī she is known as Viśālākṣī; in Naimiṣa as Liṅgadhāriṇī; in Prayāga as the Goddess Lalitā; in Gandhamādana as Kāmākṣī; at Mānasasaras she is named Kumudā; and in the sky-realm she is likewise Viśvakāyā.

Word by Word

• vārāṇasyām: in Vārāṇasī (Kāśī)

• viśālākṣī: Wide‑eyed (name of the Goddess)

• naimiṣe: in Naimiṣa (Naimiṣāraṇya)

• liṅga-dhāriṇī: bearer of the liṅga / she who holds the emblem (name of the Goddess)

• prayāge: at Prayāga

• lalitā devī: Goddess Lalitā

• kāmākṣī: Kāmākṣī (she whose eyes grant desire/fulfilment

• gandhamādane: on Gandhamādana (mountain/region)

• mānase: at Mānasasaras (the Mānasa lake)

• kumudā nāma: named Kumudā (lotus-like/white water-lily)

• viśvakāyā: she whose body is the universe / cosmic-bodied (Devi-name)

• tathā: likewise

• ambare: in the sky/firmament.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, within a sacred-site enumeration context)

Entities Mentioned

• Viśālākṣī
• Naimiṣa (Naimiṣāraṇya)
• Liṅgadhāriṇī
• Prayāga
• Lalitā Devī
• Kāmākṣī
• Gandhamādana
• Mānasasaras
• Kumudā
• Viśvakāyā

Tags

• Tirtha-Mahatmya
• Devi-Names
• Shakti
• Sacred Geography
• Pilgrimage

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it maps the Goddess’s manifestations across revered locations and cosmic space, emphasizing her all-pervading presence rather than a flood or dissolution event.

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

By identifying major tirthas and Devi-forms, it supports dharmic life through pilgrimage, vow-taking, and worship—practices recommended for householders and patronized by kings to uphold public religion and merit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse functions as a ritual directory: specific Devi-names are tied to specific kshetras, guiding correct invocation, shrine-identification, and site-specific worship (kshetra-devata alignment) in temples and pilgrim rites.