Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

अङ्गुलानामष्टशतम् उत्सेधो हस्तिनां स्मृतः अङ्गुलानां सहस्रं तु द्विचत्वारिंशदङ्गुलम् //

Transliteration

aṅgulānāmaṣṭaśatam utsedho hastināṃ smṛtaḥ aṅgulānāṃ sahasraṃ tu dvicatvāriṃśadaṅgulam //

Translation

The prescribed height (utsedha) of elephants is said to be eight hundred aṅgulas; and, by the larger standard, it is one thousand aṅgulas—namely, forty-two aṅgulas above the base measure.

Word by Word

• aṅgulānām: of aṅgulas (finger-breadths, a unit of measure)

• aṣṭaśatam: eight hundred

• utsedhaḥ: height/elevation

• hastinām: of elephants

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/considered (authoritatively stated)

• sahasram: one thousand

• tu: and/indeed

• dvi-catvāriṃśat-aṅgulam: forty-two aṅgulas (lit. two-and-forty aṅgulas)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Hastin (Elephant)

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Pratima Lakshana
• Iconography
• Measurements
• Temple Architecture

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it is a technical rule on measurement (aṅgula-based height) used in iconography/architectural standards.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic patronage: kings and householders commissioning temples or sacred art are advised to follow authoritative proportional canons so that construction and consecration are performed correctly.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It gives a canonical height standard in aṅgulas for elephant forms, useful for temple sculpture, decorative programs, or ritual imagery where correct proportions (utsedha) are required by Vastu/Śilpa norms.