Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

वेद्याश्चोपरि तत्कृत्वा ग्रहांल्लोकपतींस्ततः विन्यसेन्मन्त्रतः सर्वान् प्रतिदिक्षु विचक्षणः //

Transliteration

vedyāścopari tatkṛtvā grahāṃllokapatīṃstataḥ vinyasenmantrataḥ sarvān pratidikṣu vicakṣaṇaḥ //

Translation

Having arranged that ritual layout upon the altar-platform, the skilled officiant should then, by means of the appropriate mantras, place all the planetary deities and the guardians of the worlds in their respective directions.

Word by Word

• vedyāḥ: of the altar/vedi

• ca: and

• upari: upon/above

• tat: that (arrangement/structure)

• kṛtvā: having done/made

• grahān: the Grahas (planetary deities)

• lokapatīn: lords/guardians of the worlds (Lokapālas)

• tataḥ: then/thereafter

• vinyaset: should place/assign

• mantrataḥ: with mantras/according to mantras

• sarvān: all (of them)

• pratidikṣu: in each direction/according to the directions

• vicakṣaṇaḥ: the discerning/competent (ritual expert).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a Vastu/ritual-vidhi context)

Entities Mentioned

• Vedi (altar)
• Grahāḥ (planetary deities)
• Lokapālas (directional guardians)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Ritual layout
• Graha installation
• Lokapala
• Directional placement

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on ritual order—how cosmic powers (Grahas and Lokapālas) are ritually mapped onto space through directional placement on the altar.

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

It supports dharmic duty by prescribing correct mantra-guided ritual arrangement; a king or householder maintains prosperity and order by honoring Grahas and Lokapālas through properly performed rites.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It teaches a core Vastu/ritual principle: sacred space is organized directionally, and deities (planets and guardians) are installed in their proper quarters on/around the vedi using specific mantras.