Shloka 94

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

Devanagari script

केतुर्जलाधिनाथस्य भीमधूमध्वजानलः पद्मरागमहारत्नविटपं धनदस्य तु //

Transliteration

keturjalādhināthasya bhīmadhūmadhvajānalaḥ padmarāgamahāratnaviṭapaṃ dhanadasya tu //

Translation

The banner-emblem (ketu) of the Lord of the ocean bears a dreadful smoky fire upon its standard; and for Dhanada (Kubera), it is a branching spray (viṭapa) of the great ruby gem (padmarāga).

Word by Word

• ketuḥ: banner/emblem

• jalādhi-nāthasya: of the lord of the ocean (Varuṇa)

• bhīma: terrible, formidable

• dhūma: smoke

• dhvaja: standard, flag

• analaḥ: fire

• padmarāga: ruby (red gem)

• mahā-ratna: great jewel

• viṭapam: branch, spray, cluster (tree-like form)

• dhanadasya: of Dhanada (Kubera, giver of wealth)

• tu: and/indeed

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Varuṇa (Jalādhinātha)
• Kubera (Dhanada)
• Ketu
• Dhvaja
• Padmarāga

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Iconography
• Dhvaja-Lakshana
• Auspicious Marks
• Ratna Shastra

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it catalogs iconographic/ritual identifiers—especially the emblems (ketu) associated with specific deities—used for correct representation and auspicious display.

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

It supports dharmic duty through correct ritual order: kings and householders sponsoring temples, festivals, or public rites should use proper deity-identifying standards and auspicious materials (like prescribed gems) to avoid inauspicious mistakes in worship and state ceremonies.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It gives dhvaja/ketu specifications: Varuṇa’s emblem is described with a smoky-fire motif, while Kubera’s is a padmarāga (ruby) “branch/spray”—guiding temple banner design, festival standards, and decorative iconography in Vastu-aligned ritual spaces.