Shloka 96

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

Devanagari script

राक्षसेशस्य केतोर्वै प्रेतस्य मुखमाबभौ हेमसिंहध्वजौ देवौ चन्द्रार्कावमितद्युती //

Transliteration

rākṣaseśasya ketorvai pretasya mukhamābabhau hemasiṃhadhvajau devau candrārkāvamitadyutī //

Translation

On the banner (ketu) of the lord of the Rākṣasas there appeared the face of a Preta (spirit). And the two radiant deities—the Moon and the Sun—are to be shown with standards bearing golden lion-emblems, possessing immeasurable splendor.

Word by Word

• राक्षसेशस्य: of the lord of the Rakshasas (demon-king)

• केतोः: of the banner/standard

• वै: indeed

• प्रेतस्य: of a preta (departed spirit/ghoul)

• मुखम्: face

• आबभौ: appeared/shone forth

• हेम: golden

• सिंहध्वजौ: having a lion as the banner-emblem (lion-standard)

• देवौ: the two gods

• चन्द्रार्कौ: the Moon and the Sun

• अमितद्युती: of immeasurable radiance/splendor

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on iconographic/ritual standards)

Entities Mentioned

• Rākṣaseśa (lord of Rakshasas)
• Ketu (banner/standard)
• Preta
• Chandra (Moon)
• Arka/Surya (Sun)
• Simha (lion emblem)

Tags

• Iconography
• Dhvaja
• Pratima Lakshana
• Temple Ritual
• Emblems

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it gives iconographic prescriptions—what emblems should appear on banners (ketu/dhvaja) for specific divine or non-divine figures.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma through correct ritual and temple practice: kings and patrons who commission temples, festivals, or standards should follow prescribed emblems (e.g., Sun and Moon with lion-standards) to maintain auspiciousness and scriptural conformity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It is a ritual/iconographic rule about dhvaja-ketu symbolism: the Rākṣasa lord’s banner bears a preta-face motif, while Surya and Chandra are associated with golden lion standards—details used in temple festivals, processions, and deity representation.