Shloka 31

Matsya Purana — Solar Dynasty Prelude: Vivasvān–Saṃjñā–Chāyā

Devanagari script

न शशाकाथ तद्द्रष्टुं पादरूपं रवेः पुनः अर्चास्वपि ततः पादौ न कश्चित्कारयेत् क्वचित् //

Transliteration

na śaśākātha taddraṣṭuṃ pādarūpaṃ raveḥ punaḥ arcāsvapi tataḥ pādau na kaścitkārayet kvacit //

Translation

He was not able to behold that foot-formed manifestation of Ravi (the Sun). Therefore, even in images made for worship, no one should ever have the feet fashioned in that particular form, anywhere.

Word by Word

• na: not

• śaśākātha: was able

• tat-draṣṭum: to see that

• pāda-rūpam: the form as a foot/feet-form

• raveḥ: of Ravi (the Sun)

• punaḥ: again/further

• arcāsu api: even in worship-images (icons)

• tataḥ: therefore/for that reason

• pādau: the two feet (or the feet)

• na: not

• kaścit: anyone

• kārayet: should cause to be made/should commission

• kvacit: ever/anywhere

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Ravi (Surya)
• Arcā (worship-icon)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Surya
• Temple rules
• Ritual propriety

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on iconographic restraint—what forms should or should not be represented in consecrated worship-images.

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

It frames a practical dharma for patrons: a king or householder commissioning a temple image must follow śāstric constraints, avoiding prohibited or theologically unsuitable depictions in arcā.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it gives a prohibition for arcā-making: do not commission the depiction of Ravi’s ‘pāda-rūpa’ (foot-form) in worship icons, reflecting strict Pratima-Lakshana standards used in temple image design and consecration.