Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — Manifestation of Kauśikī

Devanagari script

स तु सिंहः करालास्यो जटाजटिलकंधरः प्रोद्धूतलम्बलाङ्गूलो दंष्ट्रोत्कटमुखातटः //

Transliteration

sa tu siṃhaḥ karālāsyo jaṭājaṭilakaṃdharaḥ proddhūtalambalāṅgūlo daṃṣṭrotkaṭamukhātaṭaḥ //

Translation

That lion should be portrayed with a gaping, fearsome mouth; with a neck thickly matted with tawny mane; with a long tail flung upward in a vigorous sweep; and with cheeks and jaws made formidable by protruding fangs.

Word by Word

• saḥ: that

• tu: indeed/then

• siṃhaḥ: lion

• karāla-āsyaḥ: having a terrifying, wide-open mouth

• jaṭā-jaṭila-kaṃdharaḥ: whose neck is thick with matted locks/mane

• proddhūta-lamba-lāṅgūlaḥ: having a long tail raised and shaken aloft

• daṃṣṭrā-utkaṭa: made dreadful by fangs

• mukha-ātaṭaḥ: the sides/cheeks/jaw-region of the face

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on iconographic rules)

Entities Mentioned

• Siṃha (lion form)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Temple Sculpture
• Vastu Shastra
• Guardian Motifs

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it gives iconographic specifications—how a lion (often a protective emblem in temple contexts) should be depicted with fearsome features.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic duties through patronage: kings and householders commissioning temples and images should follow śāstric standards so sacred spaces remain ritually correct and socially protective.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It is a pratima-lakṣaṇa guideline: the lion’s open mouth, prominent fangs, mane-like neck, and raised tail are prescribed markers for a proper fierce/protective temple motif used in gateways, pillars, and guardian ensembles.