Shloka 28

Matsya Purana — Origins of Gods and Beings: Daksha’s Progeny

Devanagari script

प्रासादभवनोद्यानप्रतिमाभूषणादिषु तडागारामकूपेषु स्मृतः सो ऽमरवर्धकिः //

Transliteration

prāsādabhavanodyānapratimābhūṣaṇādiṣu taḍāgārāmakūpeṣu smṛtaḥ so 'maravardhakiḥ //

Translation

He is remembered as an “increaser of the immortals (the gods)”, promoting divine welfare by building and endowing palaces, houses, gardens, sacred images, ornaments and the like, as well as tanks, pleasure-groves, and wells.

Word by Word

• prāsāda: palace/temple-like mansion

• bhavana: house/residence

• udyāna: garden/park

• pratimā: sacred image/icon

• bhūṣaṇa: ornament/adornment

• ādiṣu: and other such works

• taḍāga: tank/reservoir

• ārāma: grove/pleasure-garden/park

• kūpa: well

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/declared in tradition

• saḥ: he (the patron/builder)

• amara: the immortals, i.e., gods

• vardhakīḥ (vardhakiḥ): increaser/promoter/one who causes growth (of the gods’ prosperity/merit).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, in the didactic flow of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Amaras (Devas)
• Prāsāda
• Pratimā
• Taḍāga
• Kūpa

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple architecture
• Public works
• Dana and merit
• Sacred images

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it teaches that dharmic construction—especially water-works and sacred/communal structures—produces merit so great it is described as “increasing the gods.”

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

It frames building and endowing residences, gardens, icons, and especially public water sources (tanks and wells) as a dharmic duty: such works sustain society and are praised as highly meritorious for rulers and householders alike.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse highlights core Vāstu-oriented works—prāsāda, udyāna, pratimā, and water infrastructure—implying that proper building, beautification, and provisioning of water are religiously significant acts with lasting spiritual results.