Shloka 21

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

ततो मङ्गलशब्देन भेरीणां निःस्वनेन च अञ्जसा मण्डलं कुर्यात् पञ्चवर्णेन तत्त्ववित् //

Transliteration

tato maṅgalaśabdena bherīṇāṃ niḥsvanena ca añjasā maṇḍalaṃ kuryāt pañcavarṇena tattvavit //

Translation

Then, amid auspicious utterances and the resonant sound of kettledrums (bherī), the knower of the principles (tattva) should promptly draw the maṇḍala using the five colours.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then/thereafter

• maṅgala-śabdena: with auspicious words/benedictory chants

• bherīṇām: of kettledrums (bherīs)

• niḥsvanena: with the reverberating sound

• ca: and

• añjasā: straightway/without delay/properly

• maṇḍalam: the maṇḍala (ritual/architectural diagram)

• kuryāt: should make/draw

• pañca-varṇena: with five colours

• tattva-vit: a knower of the principles (ritual/architectural truths)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, Vastu/ritual context)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Mandala
• Ritual
• Temple Architecture
• Auspicious Rites

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on auspicious ritual procedure—beginning the maṇḍala with benedictions, drums, and the prescribed five-colour method.

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

It implies that public and domestic sacred works (like temple rites, consecrations, or building ceremonies) should be initiated with proper auspicious observances and expert guidance (tattvavit), ensuring dharmic order in undertakings.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It prescribes the maṇḍala-vidhi: draw the ritual/architectural diagram promptly and correctly using pañcavarṇa (five colours), accompanied by maṅgala chants and bherī drums—standard markers of an auspicious commencement in Vastu and temple rites.