Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

वप्रद्वयावृतां वेदिं वितस्त्युच्छ्रायसंमिताम् संस्थापनाय देवानां चतुरस्रामुदङ्मुखाम् //

Transliteration

vapradvayāvṛtāṃ vediṃ vitastyucchrāyasaṃmitām saṃsthāpanāya devānāṃ caturasrāmudaṅmukhām //

Translation

For establishing the deities, one should set up a square altar (vedī), enclosed by two embankments, measured to a height of one vitasti, and oriented facing north.

Word by Word

• vapradvaya-āvṛtām: enclosed by two ramparts/embankments

• vedīm: altar, raised sacrificial platform

• vitasti-ucchrāya-saṃmitām: having a height measured as one vitasti (span)

• saṃsthāpanāya: for installation/establishment

• devānām: of the gods/deities

• caturasrām: square (four-sided)

• udaṅmukhām: facing north, with the front toward the north

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Devas

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Vedi
• Deva-sthapana
• Ritual measurement
• Directional rules

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on ritual-architectural procedure—how to construct and orient an altar for installing deities.

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

It supports the duty of maintaining dharmic worship: kings and householders are instructed to follow correct measurements and directions when establishing deities, ensuring rites are performed according to śāstra.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies a technical Vastu/ritual standard: a square altar, bounded by two embankments, with a prescribed height (one vitasti) and a north-facing orientation for deva installation.