Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — Planetary Chariots

Devanagari script

यथा नद्युदके नोस्तु उदकेन सहोह्यते तथा देवगृहाणि स्युर् उह्यन्ते वातरंहसा तस्माद्यानि प्रगृह्यन्ते व्योम्नि देवगृहा इति //

Transliteration

yathā nadyudake nostu udakena sahohyate tathā devagṛhāṇi syur uhyante vātaraṃhasā tasmādyāni pragṛhyante vyomni devagṛhā iti //

Translation

Just as a boat upon a river’s waters is carried along together with the water, so too temple-structures may be swept away by the force of the wind. Therefore, those divine houses which are firmly secured—(as if) held up in the sky—are called ‘deva-gṛhas’ (temples).

Word by Word

• yathā: just as

• nadī-udake: in/over river-water

• nauḥ: a boat

• tu: indeed

• udakena saha: along with the water

• uhyate: is carried/drifted

• tathā: so/likewise

• deva-gṛhāṇi: divine houses, temples

• syuḥ: may be/are liable to be

• uhyante: are swept/carried away

• vāta-raṁhasā: by the force/impetus of wind

• tasmāt: therefore

• yāni: those which

• pragṛhyante: are firmly held, secured, fastened

• vyomni: in the sky/aloft (figuratively, elevated and well-anchored)

• deva-gṛhāḥ: temples, divine dwellings

• iti: thus (is said/defined).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Deva-gṛha (temple)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple Architecture
• Structural Safety
• Wind Load
• Construction Rules

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic pralaya directly; it uses a flood/river simile (a boat carried by water) to explain how physical structures like temples can be moved or damaged by natural forces.

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

It implies a practical dharma: patrons (kings/householders) who build temples should ensure they are properly anchored and protected, so sacred institutions remain stable and serve the community over time.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it stresses wind-resistance and firm fastening/anchoring of the temple; the term ‘deva-gṛha’ is framed as a properly secured divine structure, not a fragile building vulnerable to being ‘carried off’ by wind.