Shloka 7

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

तथा षोडशहस्तः स्यान् मण्डपश्च चतुर्मुखः वेद्याश्च परितो गर्ता रत्निमात्रास्त्रिमेखलाः //

Transliteration

tathā ṣoḍaśahastaḥ syān maṇḍapaśca caturmukhaḥ vedyāśca parito gartā ratnimātrāstrimekhalāḥ //

Translation

Likewise, the maṇḍapa should be sixteen hastas (cubits) in measure and four-faced (with four entrances). Around the altar-platform (vedī) there should be a trench (garta) and three encircling bands (tri-mekhalā), each of the measure of one ratni (span).

Word by Word

• tathā: likewise/also

• ṣoḍaśa-hastaḥ: of sixteen hastas (cubits)

• syāt: should be

• maṇḍapaḥ: pavilion/mandapa hall

• ca: and

• caturmukhaḥ: four-faced/four-sided (having four entrances)

• vedyāḥ: of the vedī (altar-platform)

• ca: and

• paritaḥ: all around

• gartā: trench/pit/channel

• ratni-mātrāḥ: of ratni-measure (a span)

• tri-mekhalāḥ: three encircling bands/girdles (three concentric rings/steps)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Mandapa
• Vedi

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Mandapa
• Vedi
• TempleArchitecture
• RitualDesign

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it belongs to the Matsya Purana’s Vastuvidya material, prescribing precise architectural/ritual measurements for a mandapa and vedī layout.

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

It supports the dharmic duty of patrons (kings/householders) to build and sponsor correctly proportioned ritual and temple structures; accurate measurements are treated as essential for auspiciousness and proper worship.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies a standard mandapa size (16 hastas), a four-entranced plan (caturmukha), and a vedi arrangement with an encircling trench and three concentric bands/steps, each one ratni in measure—key Matsya Purana temple and ritual-platform design rules.