Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — Skanda’s Consecration

Devanagari script

यतस्ततो विशाखो ऽसौ ख्यातो लोकेषु षण्मुखः स्कन्दो विशाखः षड्वक्त्रः कार्तिकेयश्च विश्रुतः //

Transliteration

yatastato viśākho 'sau khyāto lokeṣu ṣaṇmukhaḥ skando viśākhaḥ ṣaḍvaktraḥ kārtikeyaśca viśrutaḥ //

Translation

Therefore, he is celebrated in the worlds as Viśākha, as Ṣaṇmukha (the Six-faced), as Skanda, as Viśākha again, as Ṣaḍvaktra (the Six-mouthed), and as the renowned Kārttikeya.

Word by Word

• yataḥ-tataḥ: for that reason/therefore

• viśākhaḥ: Viśākha (a name/epithet of Skanda)

• asau: he

• khyātaḥ: is famed/known

• lokeṣu: in the worlds

• ṣaṇmukhaḥ: Six-faced

• skandaḥ: Skanda

• ṣaḍvaktraḥ: six-mouthed/six-faced

• kārtikeyaḥ: Kārttikeya

• ca: and

• viśrutaḥ: widely renowned

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Skanda
• Viśākha
• Ṣaṇmukha
• Ṣaḍvaktra
• Kārttikeya

Tags

• Iconography
• Deity Names
• Skanda
• Kartikeya
• Pratima Lakshana

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it catalogs Skanda’s well-known epithets, emphasizing his multi-faced iconographic identity (Ṣaṇmukha/Ṣaḍvaktra) and popular names (Skanda, Kārttikeya, Viśākha).

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic practice by clarifying the deity’s recognized names for proper devotion, vows, and festival observances—helping householders and rulers sponsor correct worship and public rites without confusion of appellations.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually and iconographically, the verse highlights the defining feature “six-faced/six-mouthed,” guiding correct identification in images (pratimā) and worship—useful when commissioning temple icons or performing Skanda-focused rituals.