Shloka 49

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

Devanagari script

उन्नतश्रोणिजघना पद्मपत्त्रायतेक्षणा पूर्णेन्दुवदना तन्वी विलासोल्लासितेक्षणा //

Transliteration

unnataśroṇijaghanā padmapattrāyatekṣaṇā pūrṇenduvadanā tanvī vilāsollāsitekṣaṇā //

Translation

Her hips and thighs are gracefully raised and well-formed; her eyes are elongated like lotus petals. Her face is like the full moon; she is slender, and her gaze is brightened with playful charm and graceful expression.

Word by Word

• unnata: elevated, gracefully raised

• śroṇi: hips

• jaghana: thighs/loins (lower body)

• padma-pattra: lotus petal

• āyata: elongated, extended

• īkṣaṇā: having eyes/gaze

• pūrṇa-indu: full moon

• vadanā: face

• tanvī: slender-bodied woman

• vilāsa: playful grace, charm

• ullāsita: brightened, enlivened

• īkṣaṇā: gaze/eyes

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on auspicious/iconographic characteristics)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya (Vishnu)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Auspicious Marks
• Devi Form
• Temple Art

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on auspicious physical and aesthetic characteristics used in Puranic iconography, especially the idealized depiction of a feminine form.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic patronage: kings and householders who commission temples and images are advised to follow śāstric lakṣaṇa (canonical features) so worship is aligned with tradition and considered spiritually efficacious.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It functions as a pratima-lakṣaṇa rule for artists and temple-builders: features like lotus-petal eyes and full-moon face are prescribed markers of auspiciousness in sacred imagery, guiding sculpture and painting used for consecration and worship.