Shloka 50

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

Devanagari script

मूलोन्नतायतभुजा नीलकुञ्चितमूर्धजा तनुलोमा सुदशना मृदुगम्भीरभाषिणी //

Transliteration

mūlonnatāyatabhujā nīlakuñcitamūrdhajā tanulomā sudaśanā mṛdugambhīrabhāṣiṇī //

Translation

Her arms are long and well-proportioned, raised nobly from the shoulders; her hair is dark and softly curled. She has fine body-hair, beautiful teeth, and a gentle yet deep and resonant manner of speech.

Word by Word

• mūla: from the root/shoulder-base

• unnata: elevated, noble, well-raised

• āyata: long, extended

• bhujā: arms

• nīla: dark/blue-black

• kuñcita: curled, wavy

• mūrdhajā: hair (born on the head)

• tanu-lomā: having fine/slender body-hair

• su-daśanā: having beautiful teeth

• mṛdu: gentle, soft

• gambhīra: deep, grave, resonant

• bhāṣiṇī: a (female) speaker, one who speaks

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) describing iconographic ideals to Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Goddess (Devi)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Devi
• Murti Shastra
• Temple Art

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on pratima-lakṣaṇa—auspicious physical and vocal traits used to define an ideal depiction of the Goddess in sacred art.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma through correct worship: a king or householder should commission and venerate properly described divine images, since accurate iconography is treated as part of orderly ritual practice and merit-bearing patronage.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It provides murti-specifications (proportions, hair, teeth, voice-quality) used by sculptors and temple planners to craft a ritually valid Devi image suitable for installation (pratiṣṭhā) and worship.