Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — Manifestation of Kauśikī

Devanagari script

तामब्रवीत्ततो ब्रह्मा देवीं नीलाम्बुजत्विषम् निशे भूधरजादेहसम्पर्कात् त्वं ममाज्ञया //

Transliteration

tāmabravīttato brahmā devīṃ nīlāmbujatviṣam niśe bhūdharajādehasamparkāt tvaṃ mamājñayā //

Translation

Then Brahmā spoke to that goddess, whose complexion shone like a blue lotus: “O Niśā, by my command, you are to arise from the contact of mountain-born dust with the body.”

Word by Word

• tām: to her/that (goddess)

• abravīt: said/spoke

• tataḥ: then

• brahmā: Brahmā

• devīm: the goddess

• nīlāmbuja-tviṣam: having the luster/complexion of a blue lotus

• niśe: O Niśā (Night personified)

• bhūdharajā: mountain-born dust/pollen/earth (lit. ‘born from the mountain’)

• deha: body

• samparkāt: from contact/association

• tvam: you

• mama: my

• ājñayā: by command/through the order

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating) / Brahmā (quoted speech within the narrative)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmā
• Devī
• Niśā (personified Night)

Tags

• Iconography
• Cosmogony
• Devī
• Ritual symbolism
• Matsya Purana Vastu context

FAQs

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

It reflects a creation motif: Brahmā issues a command and a personified principle (Niśā, Night) is described as arising through a specific causal contact, emphasizing ordered emanation rather than dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces the Purāṇic ethic that cosmic order (ājñā, command/law) governs manifestation; kings and householders are likewise expected to uphold order through discipline, purity, and obedience to dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse uses technical “lakṣaṇa”-style description (blue-lotus luster) typical of iconographic sections, supporting ritual visualization and correct depiction of divine forms—core concerns in Matsya Purana’s Vastu/Pratimā guidelines.