Shloka 60

Matsya Purana — Measures of Time: Caturyuga Computation

Devanagari script

पद्मपत्त्रायताक्षाश्च पृथुवक्त्राः सुसंहताः सिंहोरस्का महासत्त्वा मत्तमातंगगामिनः //

Transliteration

padmapattrāyatākṣāśca pṛthuvaktrāḥ susaṃhatāḥ siṃhoraskā mahāsattvā mattamātaṃgagāminaḥ //

Translation

They have eyes long like lotus-petals, broad faces, and well-knit, compact frames; lion-chested and great-souled, they move with the gait of an intoxicated elephant.

Word by Word

• पद्म-पत्त्र-आयत-अक्षाः: having eyes elongated like lotus-petals

• च: and

• पृथु-वक्त्राः: broad-faced

• सु-संहताः: well-knit, firmly built

• सिंह-उरस्काः: lion-chested, broad in the chest

• महा-सत्त्वाः: of great spirit/strength, noble beings

• मत्त-मातङ्ग-गामिनः: moving with the gait of a rutting/intoxicated elephant

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu on characteristics/marks)

Entities Mentioned

• Lotus (padma)
• Lion (siṃha)
• Elephant (mātaṅga)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Physical Marks
• Auspicious Traits
• Puranic Aesthetics

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it belongs to iconographic/physiognomic description, listing auspicious bodily traits used to recognize or depict ideal noble beings.

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

Indirectly, it provides a cultural ideal of noble presence—strength, composure, and dignified bearing—which kings and leaders are expected to embody; it also informs how royal or divine figures may be portrayed in courtly and religious contexts.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse supports pratima-lakṣaṇa (image-characteristics): sculptors and temple artisans use such traits (lotus-like eyes, lion chest, elephant gait) as canonical markers when carving or commissioning auspicious figures for worship.