Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — Mahāgaurī’s Entry

Devanagari script

सर्वाभरणपूर्वाङ्गीं मदो मन्देन कारिणीम् सकामः शङ्कितो दीनो रौद्रो वीरो भयानकः //

Transliteration

sarvābharaṇapūrvāṅgīṃ mado mandena kāriṇīm sakāmaḥ śaṅkito dīno raudro vīro bhayānakaḥ //

Translation

She is to be shown with her limbs first adorned with all ornaments; (her) intoxicated mood is to be rendered with gentle, languid movement. (Likewise, figures may be portrayed as) amorous, apprehensive, dejected, furious, heroic, or fearsome.

Word by Word

• sarvābharaṇa: all ornaments

• pūrvāṅgīm: having the body/limbs prepared first (as the primary basis)

• madaḥ: intoxication, pride, rapture

• mandena: gently, slowly

• kāriṇīm: causing/producing (movement/gesture), making (a portrayal)

• sakāmaḥ: desirous, amorous

• śaṅkitaḥ: anxious, suspicious, apprehensive

• dīnaḥ: depressed, dejected, pitiable

• raudraḥ: wrathful, furious

• vīraḥ: heroic, valiant

• bhayānakaḥ: terrifying, fearsome

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching iconographic/depiction rules) to Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Bhava
• Temple Art
• Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to the iconography/depiction instructions, listing emotional types (bhāvas) to be represented in sacred images and art.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma by prescribing disciplined standards for sacred representation; patrons (kings/householders) commissioning temples and images should ensure ornaments, posture, and moods are depicted according to śāstric norms.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It gives pratima-lakṣaṇa guidance for temple sculpture: ornamentation comes first, and specific moods—intoxicated (gentle gait), amorous, fearful, dejected, wrathful, heroic, and terrifying—should be clearly conveyed through stance and expression.