Shloka 95

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

विष्कम्भार्धोच्छ्रितं प्रोक्तं स्थण्डिलं विश्वकर्मणा संस्थापनाय देवानां वप्रत्रयसमावृतम् //

Transliteration

viṣkambhārdhocchritaṃ proktaṃ sthaṇḍilaṃ viśvakarmaṇā saṃsthāpanāya devānāṃ vapratrayasamāvṛtam //

Translation

For the installation of the deities, Viśvakarman has prescribed a sthaṇḍila (ritual platform) raised to half its breadth, and encircled by three vapras (protective earthen ramparts).

Word by Word

• viṣkambha: breadth/diameter (measure)

• ardha: half

• ucchritam: raised/elevated

• proktam: declared/prescribed

• sthaṇḍilam: ritual ground/platform/altar-base

• viśvakarmaṇā: by Viśvakarman (divine architect)

• saṃsthāpanāya: for establishing/installing

• devānām: of the gods/deities

• vapra: rampart/earthen embankment

• traya: three

• samāvṛtam: enclosed/surrounded

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, Vastuvidya context)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishvakarman
• Devas

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Sthaṇḍila
• TempleRitual
• Measurements
• Installation

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it gives Vastuvidya/ritual construction rules—specifically the proportions and enclosure of a sthaṇḍila used for installing deities.

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

It supports the dharma of patrons (kings/householders) who commission temples and rituals: correct measurements and protective layouts are presented as authoritative standards (attributed to Viśvakarman) for proper deity installation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies a proportional rule (platform height = half its breadth) and a protective/ritual boundary (three surrounding ramparts), indicating standardized sacred-ground preparation in Matsya Purana temple-ritual practice.