Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Manifestation of Kauśikī

Devanagari script

त्वचा सा चाभवद्दीप्ता घण्टाहस्ता त्रिलोचना नानाभरणपूर्णाङ्गी पीतकौशेयधारिणी //

Transliteration

tvacā sā cābhavaddīptā ghaṇṭāhastā trilocanā nānābharaṇapūrṇāṅgī pītakauśeyadhāriṇī //

Translation

Her skin became radiant; she held a bell in her hand, was three-eyed, her whole body adorned with many ornaments, and she wore yellow silk.

Word by Word

• त्वचा (tvacā): skin/complexion

• सा (sā): she

• च (ca): and

• अभवत् (abhavat): became

• दीप्ता (dīptā): shining, radiant

• घण्टाहस्ता (ghaṇṭā-hastā): having a bell in (her) hand

• त्रिलोचना (tri-locanā): three-eyed

• नानाभरण (nānā-ābharaṇa): various ornaments

• पूर्णाङ्गी (pūrṇāṅgī): with limbs fully adorned/with a well-formed body

• पीतकौशेयधारिणी (pīta-kauśeya-dhāriṇī): wearing yellow silk

Speaker

• Likely Sūta (narrator) relaying Matsya Purāṇa’s iconographic description (context suggests a descriptive passage rather than direct dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Trilocanā (three-eyed form)
• Ghaṇṭā (bell)
• Pīta-kauśeya (yellow silk)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Ritual Symbols
• Temple Art
• Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it is an iconographic description emphasizing radiance, attributes (bell), and auspicious adornment—features used to identify and visualize a divine form.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma through correct worship: kings and householders are encouraged in Purāṇic practice to commission, honor, and worship properly described forms (pratimā-lakṣaṇa), ensuring rites are performed with accuracy and reverence.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It provides pratima-lakṣaṇa cues for temple art and ritual installation—radiant complexion, three eyes, a bell as an attribute, specific ornaments, and yellow silk—details that guide sculptors and priests in murti design and consecration.