Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

मकराणां च मत्स्यानां चण्डानां कच्छपैः सह तत्र मरकतखण्डानि वज्राणां च सहस्रशः //

Transliteration

makarāṇāṃ ca matsyānāṃ caṇḍānāṃ kacchapaiḥ saha tatra marakatakhaṇḍāni vajrāṇāṃ ca sahasraśaḥ //

Translation

There are makaras, crocodile-like, and fierce fish together with tortoises; and there, in their thousands, are fragments of emerald and also vajras (diamonds).

Word by Word

• मकराणाम्: of makaras (crocodile-like aquatic beings)

• च: and

• मत्स्यानाम्: of fishes

• चण्डानाम्: of fierce/violent ones

• कच्छपैः: with tortoises

• सह: together with

• तत्र: there

• मरकत-खण्डानि: pieces/fragments of emerald

• वज्राणाम्: of diamonds (lit. vajra-gems)

• च: and

• सहस्रशः: by the thousands/in countless quantities

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Makara
• Matsya (fish)
• Kacchapa (tortoise)
• Marakata (emerald)
• Vajra (diamond)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Site Omens
• Subterranean Treasures
• Aquatic Signs
• Gemology

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it catalogs beings and mineral wealth associated with watery/subterranean zones, a typical Vastuvidya-style description of what lies beneath or within certain regions.

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

It supports prudent governance and household prosperity by indicating where valuable resources (gems) may be found and by implying caution around dangerous aquatic life—useful for settlement planning, resource management, and protection of people.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

In Vastu contexts, references to aquatic creatures and hidden gems function as site indicators: they suggest water presence and subterranean conditions, informing decisions about excavation, foundations, wells, and the suitability of land for building.