Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

शतार्धमङ्गुलानां तु ह्य् उत्सेधः शाखिनां परः मानुषस्य शरीरस्य संनिवेशस्तु यादृशः //

Transliteration

śatārdhamaṅgulānāṃ tu hy utsedhaḥ śākhināṃ paraḥ mānuṣasya śarīrasya saṃniveśastu yādṛśaḥ //

Translation

The supreme (standard) height of the limbs of an image is said to be one hundred and fifty aṅgulas; and the proportional arrangement of the human body is to be made accordingly.

Word by Word

• śatārdha: one hundred and a half

• aṅgulānām: of aṅgulas (finger-breadth units)

• tu/hi: indeed

• utsedhaḥ: height/elevation (overall measure)

• śākhinām: of the limbs/branches (i.e., body-members)

• paraḥ: highest/supreme/standard

• mānuṣasya: of a human

• śarīrasya: of the body

• saṃniveśaḥ: arrangement/proportional placement

• tu: and/indeed

• yādṛśaḥ: as is/accordingly

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s Vastu/Pratima section)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu
• aṅgula (unit of measure)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Pratima Lakshana
• Iconometry
• Temple Architecture
• Measurements

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to the technical iconography/measurement teaching, prescribing a standard height (in aṅgulas) and proportional body-arrangement for human-form representations.

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

It supports dharmic patronage: kings/householders commissioning temples and images should follow correct pramāṇa (measurement canons) so that worship is performed with properly proportioned icons, as taught in the Matsya Purana’s Vastuvidyā.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It gives an iconometric standard: the image’s overall height and limb-proportions are to be set by aṅgula-based measures, ensuring canonical proportions for mūrti-making and temple installation.