Shloka 33

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

Devanagari script

तस्माच्च धर्मकामार्थी चित्रेष्वायतनेषु च न क्वचित्कारयेत्पादौ देवदेवस्य धीमतः //

Transliteration

tasmācca dharmakāmārthī citreṣvāyataneṣu ca na kvacitkārayetpādau devadevasya dhīmataḥ //

Translation

Therefore, one who seeks dharma, pleasure, and prosperity should never have the feet of the wise Lord of Lords depicted anywhere—whether in paintings or within shrines and temple precincts.

Word by Word

• तस्माच्च (tasmācca): therefore, for that reason

• धर्मकामार्थी (dharmakāmārthī): a seeker of dharma, kāma, and artha (righteousness, enjoyment, and prosperity)

• चित्रेषु (citreṣu): in paintings, pictorial depictions

• आयतनेषु (āyataneṣu): in sanctuaries, shrines, sacred places/temples

• च (ca): and

• न (na): not

• क्वचित् (kvacit): anywhere, at any time

• कारयेत् (kārayet): should cause to be made/depicted/commission

• पादौ (pādau): the two feet (as a feature to be shown)

• देवदेवस्य (devadevasya): of the God of gods, Lord of Lords

• धीमतः (dhīmataḥ): of the wise, discerning one.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Devadeva (Vishnu as Lord of Lords)

Tags

• Iconography
• TempleEtiquette
• VastuShastra
• Dharma
• PratimaLakshana

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it focuses on sacred-art and temple-iconography discipline, linking spiritual merit (dharma) and worldly aims (artha, kāma) to proper devotional representation.

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

A king or householder who commissions temples, murals, or shrines must follow prescribed iconographic restraint; the verse frames correct patronage of religious art as part of pursuing dharma while also protecting prosperity and social order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It gives an iconographic prohibition for sacred spaces: in paintings and within temple precincts, one should not commission depictions emphasizing the deity’s feet—implying regulated compositional norms for temple art and consecrated imagery.