Shloka 4

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

Devanagari script

मध्ये चास्य रथः सर्वपक्षिप्रवरहंसः सुचारुचक्रचरणो हेमवज्रपरिष्कृतः //

Transliteration

madhye cāsya rathaḥ sarvapakṣipravarahaṃsaḥ sucārucakracaraṇo hemavajrapariṣkṛtaḥ //

Translation

And in its very center is his chariot—likened to the supreme haṃsa among all birds—having exquisitely fashioned wheels and supports, and adorned with gold and vajra-like (diamond/adamantine) embellishments.

Word by Word

• madhye: in the middle/center

• ca: and

• asya: of this/of him

• rathaḥ: chariot

• sarva: among all

• pakṣi: birds

• pravara: foremost/excellent

• haṃsaḥ: haṃsa (swan/goose

• su-cāru: very beautiful, well-crafted

• cakra: wheel

• caraṇaḥ: feet/supports/legs (i.e., the chariot’s supports)

• hema: gold

• vajra: vajra (diamond/adamant

• pariṣkṛtaḥ: ornamented, refined, richly finished

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution for this portion of the Matsya Purana’s instructional narrative)

Entities Mentioned

• Haṃsa
• Ratha
• Vajra
• Hema

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Iconography
• Ratha-Lakshana
• Divine Vehicles
• Ornamentation

FAQs

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

This verse does not directly describe Pralaya; it focuses on sacred/royal iconographic detail—how a divine chariot is conceived and ornamented—reflecting order, auspiciousness, and perfected craftsmanship rather than dissolution.

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

It implies a dharmic standard of patronage: rulers and householders should support refined arts and ritual craftsmanship, ensuring vehicles, icons, and ceremonial objects are made with excellence and auspicious materials, aligning public display with sacred aesthetics.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It gives a lakṣaṇa-style specification: the chariot’s central placement, elegant wheels/supports, and gold–vajra finishing indicate prescribed proportions and auspicious ornamentation—principles echoed in Vastu and pratima/ratha design traditions.