Shloka 51

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

उत्तरायाः प्रमाणं तु काष्ठाया मण्डलस्य तु दक्षिणोत्तरमध्यानि तानि विन्द्याद् यथाक्रमम् //

Transliteration

uttarāyāḥ pramāṇaṃ tu kāṣṭhāyā maṇḍalasya tu dakṣiṇottaramadhyāni tāni vindyād yathākramam //

Translation

One should, in proper sequence, ascertain the correct measure of the northern side of the wooden measure, and then accordingly determine the southern, northern, and central divisions of the (Vāstu) maṇḍala.

Word by Word

• uttarāyāḥ: of the northern (side/line)

• pramāṇam: measurement, standard measure

• tu: indeed/then

• kāṣṭhāyāḥ: of wood/wooden (measuring piece)

• maṇḍalasya: of the maṇḍala (Vāstu grid/diagram)

• dakṣiṇa: southern

• uttara: northern

• madhyāni: central parts/middle divisions

• tāni: those (divisions)

• vindyāt: one should find/determine

• yathā-kramam: in proper sequence, step by step

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Vāstu Maṇḍala

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Mandala
• Measurements
• Temple Architecture
• Ritual Geometry

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to the Vāstuvidyā material, focusing on practical measurement and directional layout of the Vāstu maṇḍala.

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

It supports the dharmic duty of building correctly—whether a king planning settlements/temples or a householder constructing a home—by insisting on accurate, orderly measurement and proper orientation (north/south/center).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It instructs how to establish the maṇḍala’s directional and central divisions using a standard wooden measure, a core step in Vāstu and temple-site preparation before placing structures or altars.