Shloka 123

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

उच्छ्रायविस्तराभ्यां च तृतीया चतुरङ्गुला द्व्यङ्गुलश्चेति विस्तारः पूर्वयोरेव शस्यते //

Transliteration

ucchrāyavistarābhyāṃ ca tṛtīyā caturaṅgulā dvyaṅgulaśceti vistāraḥ pūrvayoreva śasyate //

Translation

In terms of height and breadth, the third measure is four aṅgulas, and the breadth is said to be two aṅgulas; thus, this rule of breadth is recommended specifically for the two earlier types as well.

Word by Word

• ucchrāya: height

• vistarābhyām: with (reference to) breadth/expanse (and)

• ca: and

• tṛtīyā: the third (measure/type)

• caturaṅgulā: four aṅgulas (four finger-breadths)

• dvyaṅgulaḥ: two aṅgulas

• iti: thus

• vistāraḥ: breadth/width/expanse

• pūrvayoḥ: of the two earlier (ones)

• eva: indeed/specifically

• śasyate: is recommended/prescribed.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Aṅgula (unit of measure)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Pratima Lakshana
• Iconography
• Temple Architecture
• Measurements

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to the Matsya Purana’s Vastuvidya/iconography material, prescribing proportional measurements (aṅgula-based) for form, height, and breadth.

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

It relates indirectly: kings and householders who sponsor temples and images are advised to follow correct śāstric proportions, since proper measurement is treated as a dharmic requirement for valid construction and worship.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It gives a precise proportional rule: a “third” standard is four aṅgulas (in the relevant dimension) and a two-aṅgula breadth, with the breadth-rule recommended for the two previously described types as well—useful for sculpture/temple component sizing.