Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — Mandāra-Saptamī Vrata

Devanagari script

कर्णिकायां च पुरुषं सर्वात्मन इति न्यसेत् शुक्लवस्त्रैः समावेष्ट्य भक्ष्यैर्माल्यफलादिभिः //

Transliteration

karṇikāyāṃ ca puruṣaṃ sarvātmana iti nyaset śuklavastraiḥ samāveṣṭya bhakṣyairmālyaphalādibhiḥ //

Translation

In the central lotus (the core of the maṇḍala), one should install by nyāsa the Vāstu-Puruṣa with the mantra “sarvātmanaḥ” (“the One who is the Self of all”). Having wrapped (the seat) with white cloth, one should offer edibles, garlands, fruits, and the like.

Word by Word

• कर्णिकायाम् (karṇikāyām): in the pericarp/central lotus

• च (ca): and

• पुरुषम् (puruṣam): the Puruṣa (Vāstu-Puruṣa / indwelling spirit)

• सर्वात्मनः (sarvātmanaḥ): of the All-Self / the Self of all (mantra-epithet)

• इति (iti): thus (as the mantra/wording)

• न्यसेत् (nyaset): should place/install by nyāsa

• शुक्लवस्त्रैः (śuklavastraiḥ): with white cloth/garments

• समावेष्ट्य (samāveṣṭya): having wrapped/covered

• भक्ष्यैः (bhakṣyaiḥ): with edible offerings

• माल्यफलादिभिः (mālyaphalādibhiḥ): with garlands, fruits, and similar offerings

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vastu Purusha
• Mandala (Karṇikā / central lotus)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Vastu Purusha
• Nyasa
• Temple ritual
• Mandala

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it teaches a Vāstu ritual: installing the Vāstu-Puruṣa in the mandala’s center as the “All-Self,” indicating a metaphysical grounding of space rather than a flood or dissolution narrative.

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

It frames proper building and consecration as a dharmic duty: a householder or king should sanctify a site by nyāsa and pure offerings (white cloth, food, garlands, fruits) to ensure the dwelling/temple aligns with cosmic order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it identifies the karṇikā (central point) of the Vāstu mandala as the key locus; ritually, it prescribes nyāsa of Vāstu-Puruṣa with the epithet “sarvātmanaḥ” and standard auspicious offerings.