Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — The Array of the Gods: Description of the Vaiṣṇava Host and the Lokapālas

Devanagari script

पाण्डुरोद्धूतवसनः प्रवालरुचिराङ्गदः मणिश्यामोत्तमवपुर् हरिभारार्पितो वरः //

Transliteration

pāṇḍuroddhūtavasanaḥ pravālarucirāṅgadaḥ maṇiśyāmottamavapur haribhārārpito varaḥ //

Translation

Clad in spotless, fluttering garments, wearing armlets radiant like coral, possessing an excellent body dark-hued like a precious gem—he is the noble one, specially offered (as a sacred burden/service) to Hari.

Word by Word

• pāṇḍura: white, spotless

• uddhūta: lifted up, billowing, fluttering

• vasanaḥ: clothed, having garments

• pravāla: coral

• rucira: beautiful, radiant

• aṅgadaḥ: armlet, arm-ornament

• maṇi: jewel, precious stone

• śyāma: dark-hued, blue-black

• uttama: excellent, supreme

• vapuḥ: body, form

• hari: Hari (Viṣṇu)

• bhāra: burden, charge, entrusted duty/service

• arpitaḥ: offered, dedicated, entrusted

• varaḥ: excellent one, noble person

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s teaching on sacred iconography, in the broader dialogue tradition attributed to Lord Matsya’s instruction)

Entities Mentioned

• Hari (Vishnu)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Vishnu
• Ornaments
• Temple Ritual

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on auspicious visual characteristics used in sacred description—especially dress, ornaments, and divine complexion—typical of iconographic sections.

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

Indirectly, it guides patrons (kings/householders) in recognizing and commissioning auspicious forms for worship—supporting dharma through proper consecration, donation, and maintenance of images and temples dedicated to Hari.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The details (white garments, coral-like armlets, gem-dark complexion) function as pratima-lakṣaṇa markers—used by sculptors and priests when creating, selecting, and ritually installing an image aligned with Matsya Purana temple-worship standards.