Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

नानारत्नैरुपचिता जलजानां समाश्रयः कपर्दिकानां शुक्तीनां शङ्खानां च महीपते //

Transliteration

nānāratnairupacitā jalajānāṃ samāśrayaḥ kapardikānāṃ śuktīnāṃ śaṅkhānāṃ ca mahīpate //

Translation

O king, it is richly filled with many kinds of gems, being the common abode of aquatic creatures, of kapardikā (cowries), of pearl-oysters, and of śaṅkha (conches) as well.

Word by Word

• nānā-ratnaiḥ: with various gems

• upacitā: heaped up/abundantly filled

• jala-jānām: of those born in water (aquatic beings)

• samāśrayaḥ: a shared refuge/abode

• kapardikānām: of cowries (small shell-money)

• śuktīnām: of oysters/pearl-bearing shells

• śaṅkhānām: of conches

• ca: and

• mahīpate: O lord of the earth (king)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu as king

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Sacred geography
• Natural wealth
• Oceanic treasures
• Ritual materials
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse is descriptive rather than apocalyptic: it highlights the ocean/waters as a sustaining reservoir of life and treasures, not a direct account of Pralaya.

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

By addressing the king and noting the abundance of gems and ritual shells (conch, cowry, oyster), it implies the ruler’s duty to protect natural resources and regulate their auspicious use in economy and rites.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Śaṅkha (conch) and śukti (oyster/pearl-shell) are classic ritual materials; such verses support temple-ritual procurement and purity symbolism associated with waters in Vastu and consecration contexts.