Shloka 51

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

कूपवापीषु सर्वासु तथा पुष्करिणीषु च एष एव विधिर्दृष्टः प्रतिष्ठासु तथैव च //

Transliteration

kūpavāpīṣu sarvāsu tathā puṣkariṇīṣu ca eṣa eva vidhirdṛṣṭaḥ pratiṣṭhāsu tathaiva ca //

Translation

In all wells and stepwells, and likewise in lotus-ponds (tanks), this very same procedure is prescribed; and in consecrations (pratiṣṭhā) as well, it is to be applied in the same manner.

Word by Word

• कूप (kūpa): well

• वापी (vāpī): stepwell/reservoir

• सर्वासु (sarvāsu): in all (fem. loc. pl.)

• तथा (tathā): likewise

• पुष्करिणीषु (puṣkariṇīṣu): in ponds/tanks (lotus-ponds), loc. pl.

• च (ca): and

• एषः (eṣaḥ): this

• एव (eva): indeed/only

• विधिः (vidhiḥ): rule, procedure, prescribed rite

• दृष्टः (dṛṣṭaḥ): is seen/has been laid down/recognized

• प्रतिष्ठासु (pratiṣṭhāsu): in consecrations/establishments (of images, structures), loc. pl.

• तथैव (tathaiva): in the very same way

• च (ca): also

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Pratiṣṭhā
• Waterworks
• Ritual Procedure
• Public Infrastructure

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it focuses on applying an established ritual/construction procedure uniformly to waterworks and consecration rites.

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

It supports the dharmic duty of commissioning and maintaining public utilities—wells, stepwells, and tanks—while ensuring they are established through proper rites, a key responsibility in Puranic governance and household merit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The key point is procedural standardization: the same vidhi (prescribed method) used in consecrations is to be followed for constructing/establishing wells, stepwells, and ponds—linking Vastu practice with pratiṣṭhā ritual.