Shloka 36

Matsya Purana — Skanda’s Consecration

Devanagari script

नानानाकतरूत्फुल्लकुसुमापीडधारिणीम् विकोशास्त्रपरिष्कारां वर्मनिर्मलदर्शनाम् //

Transliteration

nānānākatarūtphullakusumāpīḍadhāriṇīm vikośāstrapariṣkārāṃ varmanirmaladarśanām //

Translation

She is adorned with a floral crest made of blossoms freshly opened on many kinds of trees; her weapons are displayed unsheathed and well-arranged; and her armour presents a spotless, radiant appearance.

Word by Word

• नाना-नानक-तरु-उत्फुल्ल-कुसुम: blossoms fully opened on many kinds of trees

• आपीड-धारिणीम्: wearing a floral head-ornament/crest

• विकोश: unsheathed/drawn (from the scabbard)

• अस्त्र: weapons

• परिष्काराम्: well-prepared, well-arranged, splendidly equipped

• वर्म: armour/cuirass

• निर्मल-दर्शनाम्: of spotless, pure, radiant appearance

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on iconographic/ritual description)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Pratima Lakshana
• Iconography
• Temple Ritual
• Ornaments

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it focuses on iconographic detailing—how a divine figure should be portrayed with floral ornaments, displayed weapons, and immaculate armour.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma through correct worship: kings and householders are encouraged to sponsor and maintain properly made icons/temple arrangements, where purity, order, and auspicious adornment are emphasized.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It reflects Pratima-lakṣaṇa standards used in temple ritual and installation: the deity (or divine feminine form) is to be ornamented with auspicious flowers, shown with properly arranged weapons, and depicted with clean, shining armour—key cues for correct consecration and visual theology.