Shloka 96

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

द्व्यङ्गुलो ह्युच्छ्रितो वप्रः प्रथमः स उदाहृतः अङ्गुलोच्छ्रयसंयुक्तं वप्रद्वयमथोपरि //

Transliteration

dvyaṅgulo hyucchrito vapraḥ prathamaḥ sa udāhṛtaḥ aṅgulocchrayasaṃyuktaṃ vapradvayamathopari //

Translation

The first rampart (vapra) is declared to be raised to a height of two aṅgulas; above it, two further ramparts are to be made, each with an additional height of one aṅgula.

Word by Word

• dvi-aṅgulaḥ: two aṅgulas (a small unit of measure)

• hi: indeed

• ucchritaḥ: raised/elevated

• vapraḥ: rampart, embankment, defensive earthwork

• prathamaḥ: the first

• saḥ: that

• udāhṛtaḥ: is stated/declared

• aṅgula-ucchraya: increase in height by one aṅgula

• saṃyuktam: furnished with/combined with

• vapra-dvayam: two ramparts (a pair of embankments)

• atha: then/thereafter

• upari: above/on top.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Ramparts
• Measurements
• Town planning
• Fortification

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it gives precise Vāstu-Śāstra measurements for constructing defensive ramparts (vapra) using the aṅgula unit.

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

It supports the king’s duty of protecting settlements: proper, measured fortifications and earthworks are presented as part of orderly governance and secure town planning.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it prescribes a stepped/graded rampart system: a first embankment of two aṅgulas height, then two additional ramparts above with a one-aṅgula incremental rise—showing standardized proportional design in Matsya Purana Vāstuvidyā.