Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

*सूत उवाच जलाशयगतं विष्णुम् उवाच रविनन्दनः तडागारामकूपानां वापीषु नलिनीषु च //

Transliteration

*sūta uvāca jalāśayagataṃ viṣṇum uvāca ravinandanaḥ taḍāgārāmakūpānāṃ vāpīṣu nalinīṣu ca //

Translation

Sūta said: The son of Ravi (the Sun) spoke of Viṣṇu as abiding in water-reservoirs—within ponds, pleasure-groves, wells, step-wells (vāpī), and lotus-pools as well.

Word by Word

• sūtaḥ: Sūta (the narrator)

• uvāca: said

• jalāśaya-gatam: present in/abiding in a water-reservoir

• viṣṇum: Lord Viṣṇu

• uvāca: spoke/declared

• ravi-nandanaḥ: the son of Ravi (the Sun), i.e., a solar-descended speaker

• taḍāga: pond/tank

• ārāma: garden/pleasure-grove

• kūpa: well

• vāpīṣu: in step-wells/reservoir-wells

• nalinīṣu: in lotus-pools/places with lotuses

• ca: and

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator); reporting the statement of Ravinandana (a solar-descended figure)

Entities Mentioned

• Sūta
• Viṣṇu
• Ravinandana (son of Ravi/Sūrya)
• Ravi (Sūrya)

Tags

• Tirtha
• Dana
• Sacred Waters
• Vishnu
• Public Works

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; instead, it teaches a sacral cosmology in which Viṣṇu is immanently present in life-sustaining waters—ponds, wells, and lotus-pools—linking preservation (Viṣṇu’s function) to water resources.

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

By identifying Viṣṇu with public water sources, the verse supports the Purāṇic ethic that creating and maintaining ponds, wells, gardens, and step-wells is a high merit civic duty—ideal for kings (public welfare) and householders (charitable works and community sustenance).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it elevates waterworks (taḍāga, kūpa, vāpī) and landscaped spaces (ārāma, nalinī) as sacred infrastructure; ritually, it implies that worship or offerings made at such water bodies are effectively worship of Viṣṇu, encouraging consecration and upkeep of these sites.