Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

तथा नातिशयश्चैव मानुषः काय उच्यते इत्येव हि परिक्रान्ता भावा ये दिव्यमानुषाः //

Transliteration

tathā nātiśayaścaiva mānuṣaḥ kāya ucyate ityeva hi parikrāntā bhāvā ye divyamānuṣāḥ //

Translation

Likewise, that body which is without extraordinary (superhuman) features is called ‘human’. Thus are set forth the characteristics of those beings who are of a divine-human (semi-divine) nature.

Word by Word

• tathā: likewise

• nātiśayaḥ: not extraordinary, not possessing superhuman excellence

• ca eva: and indeed

• mānuṣaḥ: human

• kāyaḥ: body, form

• ucyate: is called

• iti eva: thus indeed

• hi: for, indeed

• parikrāntāḥ: set forth, explained, delineated

• bhāvāḥ: natures, conditions, defining traits

• ye: who, those which

• divya-mānuṣāḥ: divine-human, semi-divine beings

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Divine Forms
• Anthropology
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it classifies bodies/forms—stating that a purely human body is defined by the absence of extraordinary, superhuman marks, while “divine-human” beings have delineated distinguishing traits.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic discernment: rulers and householders should recognize degrees of excellence and role-based attributes in society, while remembering that ordinary humans lack “atiśaya” (superhuman signs) and should act within human dharma and limits.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It functions as an iconographic guideline: in temple sculpture and consecrated images, a “human” figure should not be given overtly superhuman markers, whereas divine-human figures may carry specified exceptional traits—useful for correct pratima design and visual theology.