Shloka 63

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

ऋषीणां तारका येन लक्षणेन यदृच्छया ऋषीणां यादृशत्वं हि तद्वक्ष्यामीह लक्षणम् //

Transliteration

ṛṣīṇāṃ tārakā yena lakṣaṇena yadṛcchayā ṛṣīṇāṃ yādṛśatvaṃ hi tadvakṣyāmīha lakṣaṇam //

Translation

By whatever distinguishing mark one may, even incidentally, recognize the sages, I shall state here that defining characteristic by which the ṛṣis are known as they truly are.

Word by Word

• ऋषीणाम्: of sages

• तारका: indicator, decisive sign (that enables recognition)

• येन: by which

• लक्षणेन: by a mark/characteristic

• यदृच्छया: by chance, incidentally, as it occurs

• ऋषीणाम्: of sages

• यादृशत्वम्: their true nature/what they are like

• हि: indeed

• तत्: that

• वक्ष्यामि: I shall declare

• इह: here (in this context)

• लक्षणम्: the characteristic/definition.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within the Matsya Purana’s dialogic frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Rishis (Ṛṣis)

Tags

• Pratima Lakshana
• Rishi Lakshana
• Vastuvidya
• Iconography
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya directly; it introduces a diagnostic “lakṣaṇa” (defining mark) used to recognize sages, fitting an iconography/characteristics section rather than cosmology.

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

By emphasizing clear “lakṣaṇa” for recognizing true sages, it supports a king/householder’s duty to honor authentic spiritual authorities, seek proper counsel, and avoid mistaking mere appearance for real ascetic virtue.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It signals a pratima-lakṣaṇa (iconographic) framework: temple artists and ritual planners are being prepared to identify and portray Ṛṣis correctly through defining marks, ensuring accurate sculptural and ritual representation.