Shloka 49

Matsya Purana — Mahāgaurī’s Entry

Devanagari script

प्रभाकरप्रभाकारः प्रकाशकनकप्रभः गृहीतनिर्मलोदग्रशक्तिशूलः षडाननः //

Transliteration

prabhākaraprabhākāraḥ prakāśakanakaprabhaḥ gṛhītanirmalodagraśaktiśūlaḥ ṣaḍānanaḥ //

Translation

He is radiant like the Sun, his form itself a blaze of light; shining with the luster of bright gold. In his hands he bears a spotless, lofty spear and a trident—he is the six-faced Lord.

Word by Word

• prabhākara: the Sun

• prabhā-ākāraḥ: whose form is made of radiance / having a form of light

• prakāśaka: illuminating, making manifest

• kanaka-prabhaḥ: golden-hued, possessing the splendor of gold

• gṛhīta: held, borne in the hands

• nirmala: pure, stainless

• udagra: lofty, exalted, prominent

• śakti: spear, lance

• śūlaḥ: trident

• ṣaḍ-ānanaḥ: six-faced (an epithet of Skanda/Kārttikeya)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within iconographic teaching)

Entities Mentioned

• Skanda
• Kārttikeya

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Skanda
• Temple Art
• Deity Attributes

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it functions as an iconographic description, identifying a deity (Skanda/Kārttikeya) by radiance, weapons, and the distinctive six faces.

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

Indirectly: Matsya Purana’s iconography sections guide kings and householders in patronage—commissioning correct images for temples and worship so that public rites, protection, and merit-bearing donations follow proper scriptural marks.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It provides pratima-lakṣaṇa identifiers for ritual installation: the six-faced form and the held spear (śakti) and trident (śūla) are key markers for crafting, recognizing, and consecrating Skanda’s image in temple settings.