Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Ritual Procedure and Merit of Donating the Ratnācala

Devanagari script

वैदूर्यविद्रुमैः पश्चात् सम्मिश्रो विमलाचलः पद्मरागैः ससौवर्णैर् उत्तरेण च विन्यसेत् //

Transliteration

vaidūryavidrumaiḥ paścāt sammiśro vimalācalaḥ padmarāgaiḥ sasauvarṇair uttareṇa ca vinyaset //

Translation

To the west, one should place the Vimalācala stone mixed with vaidūrya (cat’s-eye) and vidruma (coral); and to the north, one should set padmarāga (ruby) together with gold.

Word by Word

• vaidūrya: cat’s-eye gem

• vidruma: coral

• paścāt: in the west/behind

• sammiśraḥ: mixed/combined

• vimalācalaḥ: Vimalācala (a pure/bright stone or mountain-stone used as a material)

• padmarāgaiḥ: with padmarāga (ruby)

• sa-sauvarṇaiḥ: together with gold/golden (materials)

• uttareṇa: to the north

• ca: and

• vinyaset: should place/arrange/set down (in layout).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vimalācala
• Vaidūrya
• Vidruma
• Padmarāga
• Gold (Sauvarṇa)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple materials
• Directional placement
• Gemology
• Ritual architecture

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya directly; it gives technical Vastuvidya instructions for arranging specific gems/materials by direction in a sacred architectural layout.

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

It supports dharmic duty through correct patronage and execution of sacred building—kings and householders gain merit by following prescribed directional rules for temple/altar construction and consecratory layouts.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It prescribes a directional material schema: west placement involving Vimalācala mixed with cat’s-eye and coral, and north placement of ruby together with gold—used to align construction/ritual space with auspicious directional qualities.