Shloka 84

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

वैरूप्यं येन तत्सर्वं कथितं त्वेकदेशिकम् अशक्यं परिसंख्यातुं श्रद्धेयं भूतिमिच्छता //

Transliteration

vairūpyaṃ yena tatsarvaṃ kathitaṃ tvekadeśikam aśakyaṃ parisaṃkhyātuṃ śraddheyaṃ bhūtimicchatā //

Translation

Those variations of form by which all this has been described are only partial and by way of a sample; they cannot be fully enumerated. One who seeks prosperity should accept this teaching with faith.

Word by Word

vairūpyamvariations/differences of form (iconographic variety)

yenaby which/whereby

tat sarvamall that (subject matter) entirely

kathitamhas been stated/explained

tubut/indeed

ekadeśikampartial, limited to a portion (illustrative only)

aśakyamimpossible

parisaṃkhyātumto count completely/enumerate exhaustively

śraddheyamto be received with faith/credible and worthy of trust

bhūtimprosperity, welfare, flourishing

icchatāby one desiring/seeking

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

MatsyaManu

FAQs

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

It does not address Pralaya directly; it stresses that sacred classifications (here, forms/variants) are vast and cannot be exhaustively listed, so the seeker should rely on authoritative teaching with faith.

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

It advises a practical dharmic approach: when scriptural details are too numerous to enumerate, a ruler or householder should follow the given standard guidance faithfully to gain welfare (bhūti) rather than demand impossible completeness.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

In Vastu/temple and murti-ritual contexts, it implies iconographic variations are countless; therefore, one should follow the core Pratima-lakṣaṇa standards and accepted exemplars rather than treating every regional or minor variation as mandatory.