Shloka 46
Matsya Purana — Measures of Time: Caturyuga Computation
प्रमाणेष्वथ सिद्धानाम् अन्येषां च प्रवर्तते मन्त्रयोगो व्यतीतेषु कल्पेष्वथ सहस्रशः ते मन्त्रा वै पुनस्तेषां प्रतिमायामुपस्थिताः //
pramāṇeṣvatha siddhānām anyeṣāṃ ca pravartate mantrayogo vyatīteṣu kalpeṣvatha sahasraśaḥ te mantrā vai punasteṣāṃ pratimāyāmupasthitāḥ //
Thus, in the authoritative canons of measure and iconographic rule, the accomplished masters—and others as well—set forth the discipline of mantra-yoga, the application of mantras. Though thousands of kalpas have passed, those very mantras again become present for them within the consecrated image (pratimā).
FAQs
It implies cyclical time across kalpas: even after immense cosmic cycles, the authoritative mantra-discipline remains valid and the same mantras can be re-manifested in icons, reflecting continuity through cosmic dissolution and renewal.
It supports the duty to preserve and sponsor correct tradition—commissioning icons and ensuring mantra-based consecration under qualified teachers—so public worship and dharma-restoring rites continue reliably across generations.
Ritually, it highlights mantra-yoga/pratiṣṭhā: mantras are not merely recited but are established as ‘present’ in the pratimā, grounded in pramāṇa (canonical proportions and rules) that guide icon-making and consecration.