Shloka 44

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

Devanagari script

स्फीतक्रोडावलम्बेन शीतांशुसमतेजसा भोगिभोगावसक्तेन मणिरत्नेन भास्वता //

Transliteration

sphītakroḍāvalambena śītāṃśusamatejasā bhogibhogāvasaktena maṇiratnena bhāsvatā //

Translation

It shines with a radiant jewel—hanging from a broad, prominent chest—whose brilliance is like the cool-rayed moon, set upon the coils of a serpent and gleaming with gem-like splendor.

Word by Word

स्फीतbroad, expanded, prominent

क्रोडchest/bosom

अवलम्बेनhanging/suspended (as an ornament)

शीतांशुthe moon (cool-rayed one)

समतेजसाwith equal radiance, comparable in brilliance

भोगिserpent

भोगcoil/hood (also ‘fold’)

अवसक्तेनfastened/attached, set upon

मणिjewel

रत्नेनwith a precious gem

भास्वताshining, radiant

Speaker

Lord Matsya (Vishnu) to Vaivasvata Manu (iconographic/architectural description within instruction)

Entities Mentioned

Shitांशु (Moon)Bhogi (Serpent motif)

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a descriptive iconographic/ornamental detail emphasizing auspicious radiance (moon-like brilliance) and nāga/serpent-associated adornment.

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

Indirectly, it supports the dharmic duty of patrons (kings/householders) to commission properly described sacred images and temple ornaments, ensuring auspiciousness, beauty, and scriptural conformity in worship spaces.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It highlights prescribed visual qualities for sacred ornamentation—placement (hanging on the chest), material (precious jewel), and auspicious symbolism (moon-like cool brilliance; serpent-coil setting)—useful for pratima-lakshana and temple decorative standards.