Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

मुक्ताफलानि मुक्तानां ताराविग्रहधारिणाम् //

Transliteration

muktāphalāni muktānāṃ tārāvigrahadhāriṇām //

Translation

Pearl-fruits (pearls) belong to the liberated—those who bear the embodied form of the stars, the radiant celestial deities.

Word by Word

• मुक्ताफलानि: pearls (lit. ‘pearl-fruits’)

• मुक्तानाम्: of the मुक्त (the liberated/exalted ones)

• तारा: stars

• विग्रह: embodied form, icon, manifested body

• धारिणाम्: of those who bear/wear/possess

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu
• Tārā (stars/celestial lights)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Sacred Ornaments
• Temple Ritual
• Auspicious Materials

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it classifies auspicious adornments, associating pearls with exalted or celestial (radiant) beings.

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

It supports dharmic patronage: a king or householder should sponsor proper deity adornment in temples, using prescribed pure and auspicious materials like pearls.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it guides pratima/temple worship by specifying suitable ornaments for divine images—pearls being appropriate for luminous, celestial forms—supporting correct consecration and daily alankāra (adornment).