Shloka 26

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

Devanagari script

ज्योतिषामीश्वरं व्योम्नि रसानां रसदं प्रभुम् ओषधीनां सहस्राणां निधानममृतस्य च //

Transliteration

jyotiṣāmīśvaraṃ vyomni rasānāṃ rasadaṃ prabhum oṣadhīnāṃ sahasrāṇāṃ nidhānamamṛtasya ca //

Translation

In the sky, (I worship) the Lord of the luminaries; the sovereign who grants the very essence of all essences; the master—treasury of thousands of healing herbs, and the repository of immortality (amṛta) as well.

Word by Word

• jyotiṣām: of the luminaries (lights, heavenly bodies)

• īśvaram: the Lord, ruler

• vyomni: in the sky/firmament

• rasānām: of essences, flavors, vital juices

• rasadam: giver of rasa (essence/sap)

• prabhum: the sovereign, master

• oṣadhīnām: of medicinal herbs/plants

• sahasrāṇām: of thousands

• nidhānam: treasure-house, store, repository

• amṛtasya: of amṛta (nectar of immortality)

• ca: and

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) presenting a devotional/theological description consistent with the Matsya Purana’s praise of the Supreme Lord (Vishnu/Matsya as the ultimate source of cosmic order)

Entities Mentioned

• Īśvara (Supreme Lord)
• Jyotiṣ (luminaries/celestial lights)
• Oṣadhi (medicinal herbs)
• Amṛta (nectar of immortality)

Tags

• Stuti
• Cosmology
• Divine sovereignty
• Ayurvedic symbolism
• Amrita

FAQs

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

It frames the Supreme Lord as the governing source behind cosmic functions—light in the heavens, life-essence (rasa), healing herbs, and amṛta—implying that even in pralaya and re-creation, these sustaining principles ultimately rest in Him.

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

By portraying the Lord as the giver of rasa (vital essence) and the treasury of medicines, the verse underwrites dharmic governance and household life: a king should protect health and welfare, and a householder should sustain life through righteous provision, healing, and reverence for the divine source of prosperity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it supports worship that invokes the deity as cosmic regulator (luminaries) and life-sustainer (oṣadhi, amṛta), themes often reflected in temple rites and consecrations; architecturally, it indirectly aligns with Vastu’s concern for celestial order (sky/luminaries) as a basis for auspicious orientation and sacred planning.