Shloka 83

Matsya Purana — Tārakāsura’s Austerity and Boon; Mobilization for War; Bṛhaspati’s Fourfold P...

Devanagari script

हुताशनश्छागरूढः शक्तिहस्तो व्यवस्थितः पवनो ऽङ्कुशपाणिस्तु विस्तारितमहाजवः //

Transliteration

hutāśanaśchāgarūḍhaḥ śaktihasto vyavasthitaḥ pavano 'ṅkuśapāṇistu vistāritamahājavaḥ //

Translation

Agni, the Fire-god, should be portrayed mounted upon a goat, standing firm with a spear in hand; and Vāyu, the Wind-god, holding an elephant-goad, should be shown in a forceful form with his great speed fully manifest.

Word by Word

• हुताशनः: Agni, the Fire-god

• छागरूढः: mounted on a goat

• शक्तिहस्तः: holding a śakti (spear/lance) in the hand

• व्यवस्थितः: steady, well-postured/standing composed

• पवनः: Vāyu, the Wind-god

• अङ्कुशपाणिः: having an aṅkuśa (goad) in the hand

• तु: and/indeed

• विस्तारित: expanded, spread out, fully displayed

• महाजवः: great speed, mighty swiftness

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (iconographic prescription context)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni (Hutashana)
• Vayu (Pavana)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Temple Art
• Agni
• Vayu

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it gives iconographic instructions—how Agni and Vāyu should be represented in sacred images.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma through proper worship: kings and householders commissioning temples or images should follow prescribed attributes (vahana and weapons) to ensure ritually correct devotion.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It is a Pratimā-lakṣaṇa guideline for temple sculpture and ritual icons: Agni is specified with goat-mount and spear, while Vāyu is specified with an elephant-goad and a dynamic, swift form—details used by artisans and priests for correct installation and worship.