Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — Maya’s War-Counsel to the Danavas and the Moonlit Revels in Tripura

Devanagari script

कुमुदालंकृते हंसो यथा सरसि विस्तृते सिंहो यथा चोपविष्टो वैडूर्यशिखरे महान् //

Transliteration

kumudālaṃkṛte haṃso yathā sarasi vistṛte siṃho yathā copaviṣṭo vaiḍūryaśikhare mahān //

Translation

Like a swan upon a broad lake adorned with white kumuda lotuses, and like a mighty lion seated upon a lofty crest of vaidūrya (the cat’s-eye gem)—so should the revered presence appear: expansive, radiant, and supremely majestic.

Word by Word

• kumuda-ālaṃkṛte: adorned with kumuda (white water-lilies/lotuses)

• haṃsaḥ: swan

• yathā: as/like

• sarasi: in a lake

• vistṛte: wide, expansive

• siṃhaḥ: lion

• yathā: as/like

• ca: and

• upaviṣṭaḥ: seated, enthroned

• vaiḍūrya-śikhare: on a summit/crest of vaidūrya (cat’s-eye gem

• mahān: great, mighty, magnificent

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within iconographic/descriptional teaching)

Entities Mentioned

• Haṃsa (swan)
• Siṃha (lion)
• Kumuda (white lotus/water-lily)
• Vaiḍūrya (cat’s-eye gem)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Auspicious Similes
• Temple Aesthetics
• Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it uses auspicious natural and regal similes (swan on a lotus-lake, lion on a jewel-peak) to convey majesty and visual auspiciousness, typical of iconographic description.

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

By praising the qualities of poised grandeur and luminous presence, it indirectly mirrors ideals for kingship—steadiness, dignity, and a compelling public aura—while also guiding householders/temple patrons toward choosing auspicious, elevating aesthetics in sacred and royal spaces.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it supports the iconographic principle that sacred/royal installations should project expansive serenity (like a lotus-lake) and enthroned authority (like a lion on a shining summit), aligning with Matsya Purana’s broader emphasis on temple-image presence and auspicious visual symbolism.