Shloka 88

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

प्रागुदक्प्लवनां भूमिं कारयेद्यत्नतो बुधः प्रागुत्तरं समासाद्य प्रदेशं मण्डपस्य तु //

Transliteration

prāgudakplavanāṃ bhūmiṃ kārayedyatnato budhaḥ prāguttaraṃ samāsādya pradeśaṃ maṇḍapasya tu //

Translation

A wise man should, with due care, have the ground prepared so that it slopes (for drainage) toward the east and north; and he should choose, in particular, the eastern or northern portion as the site for the maṇḍapa (pavilion).

Word by Word

• prāk: eastward

• udak: north (lit. ‘water-direction’)

• plavanām: having a slope/drainage (slanting so water flows)

• bhūmim: ground/land

• kārayet: should cause to be made/should have prepared

• yatnataḥ: carefully, with effort

• budhaḥ: the wise person/learned one

• prāg-uttaram: the eastern or northern (direction/side)

• samāsādya: having reached/selected/approached

• pradeśam: place/area/portion

• maṇḍapasya: of the maṇḍapa (pavilion/hall)

• tu: indeed/and (emphatic).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Maṇḍapa

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Mandapa
• Site Planning
• Temple Architecture
• Orientation

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on Vastuvidya—practical rules for preparing land and selecting the mandapa’s placement with auspicious orientation and proper drainage.

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

It frames construction as a dharmic duty requiring careful planning: a king or householder should ensure correct site selection and orientation to support orderly ritual life, public welfare, and auspiciousness in built spaces.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It prescribes a site that slopes toward east/north (good drainage and auspicious flow) and recommends placing the mandapa toward the east or north sector—key Vastu Shastra principles for pavilion/temple adjunct layout.