Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

संहृत्याजानुबाहुश्च दैवतैरभिपूज्यते गवां च हस्तिनां चैव महिषस्थावरात्मनाम् //

Transliteration

saṃhṛtyājānubāhuśca daivatairabhipūjyate gavāṃ ca hastināṃ caiva mahiṣasthāvarātmanām //

Translation

With arms reaching down to the knees and gathered in a composed posture, he is revered and duly worshipped by the gods as the indwelling divine principle of cows, elephants, buffaloes, and even of immovable beings.

Word by Word

• saṃhṛtya: having drawn in/held in a composed (restrained) manner

• ājānu-bāhuḥ: one whose arms reach to the knees

• ca: and

• daivataiḥ: by the gods/divine beings

• abhipūjyate: is especially worshipped/revered

• gavām: of cows

• ca: and

• hastinām: of elephants

• caiva: and indeed/also

• mahiṣa: of buffaloes

• sthāvara: of immovable beings (plants/mountains/firm entities)

• ātmanām: as the Self/indwelling essence (of those beings)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution for this iconography section)

Entities Mentioned

• Daivata (deities)
• Gavām (cows)
• Hastinām (elephants)
• Mahiṣa (buffaloes)
• Sthāvara (immovables)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Divinity-in-beings
• Ritual worship
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it emphasizes the pervasion of divinity as the inner Self across living creatures and even immovable beings, a theological idea often used to frame cosmic order rather than dissolution.

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

By presenting divinity as present in cattle and other beings, it supports dharmic duties such as protection of cows and animals, non-cruelty, and reverent care for beings that sustain society—key expectations for both rulers and householders in Purāṇic ethics.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The phrase ājānu-bāhu (arms reaching the knees) functions as an iconographic marker used in pratima-lakṣaṇa for identifying or crafting divine images; such bodily proportions guide temple-image making and the ritual validation of a consecrated form.