Shloka 56

Matsya Purana — The Burning of Tripura and Rudra’s Victory

Devanagari script

सप्रासादानि रम्याणि कूटागारोत्कटानि च सजलानि समाख्यानि सावलोकनकानि च //

Transliteration

saprāsādāni ramyāṇi kūṭāgārotkaṭāni ca sajalāni samākhyāni sāvalokanakāni ca //

Translation

“(Let there be) delightful residences furnished with lofty mansions; imposing buildings with peaked upper structures; houses provided with water (tanks or fountains); well-appointed, well-proportioned dwellings; and homes with viewing galleries (balconies or windows).”

Word by Word

• sa-prāsādāni: with mansions/upper-storeyed palaces

• ramyāṇi: charming, delightful

• kūṭāgāra: a house/building with a peaked top/upper pavilion

• utkaṭāni: lofty, imposing, prominent

• ca: and

• sa-jalāni: with water (water-supply, ponds, fountains)

• samākhyāni: well-arranged, properly designed, well-proportioned (lit. ‘well-described/defined’)

• sāvalokanakāni: with places for looking out—balconies, windows, viewing galleries

• ca: and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on ideal settlement/architecture)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Town planning
• Royal architecture
• Puranic temple architecture rules
• Matsya Purana Vastu Shastra tips

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it focuses on constructive, civilized living—features of well-designed residences and urban amenities.

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

It supports the king’s duty to build and maintain orderly, comfortable settlements (water provisions, safe and prominent buildings), and the householder’s ideal of a well-planned, functional home.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally it highlights Vāstu priorities: prāsāda (upper-storeyed mansion), kūṭāgāra (peaked pavilion/roof element), integrated water features, and avalokana-spaces (balconies/windows) for ventilation, surveillance, and aesthetic enjoyment.