Shloka 90

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

चतुरङ्गुलविस्तारा मेखला तद्वदुच्छ्रिता प्रागुदक्प्लवना कार्या सर्वतः समवस्थिता //

Transliteration

caturaṅgulavistārā mekhalā tadvaducchritā prāgudakplavanā kāryā sarvataḥ samavasthitā //

Translation

The surrounding band (mekhalā) should be made four aṅgulas in width, and raised to the same measure. A drainage fall should be constructed toward the east and toward the water-side (udak, i.e., north), and it should be evenly set on all sides.

Word by Word

• catur-aṅgula-vistārā: four-aṅgulas in breadth

• mekhalā: girdle-like band/plinth-band (moulding) around the base

• tadvat: to that same measure

• ucchritā: raised/elevated

• prāk: eastward

• udak: water/water-side/north-east (water direction in vāstu usage)

• plavanā: sloping/fall for runoff/drainage

• kāryā: should be made/constructed

• sarvataḥ: on all sides

• samavasthitā: evenly aligned/level and uniformly placed

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple architecture
• Plinth design
• Drainage
• Orientation

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to the Vāstuvidyā stream, prescribing practical construction measures—especially the base-band (mekhalā) and the intended directional slope for water runoff.

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

It supports the duty of maintaining orderly, safe, and auspicious built spaces—kings for public works and temples, householders for dwellings—by mandating standard measurements, correct orientation, and proper drainage to prevent decay and disorder.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it specifies a four-aṅgula-wide, equally raised mekhalā (a base moulding/plinth-band) and an intentional slope for drainage oriented eastward and toward the water-side, with uniform alignment on all sides—key Vāstu principles for longevity and auspiciousness.