Shloka 2

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

नित्यातप्तशिलाजातं सदाभ्रपरिवर्जितम् तस्याधस्ताद्वृक्षगणे दिशां भागे च पश्चिमे //

Transliteration

nityātaptaśilājātaṃ sadābhraparivarjitam tasyādhastādvṛkṣagaṇe diśāṃ bhāge ca paścime //

Translation

One should choose a place formed of rock, ever warmed by the sun and not perpetually covered by clouds. Below it there should be a cluster of trees, and it should lie toward the western quarter.

Word by Word

• nitya: always/constantly

• ātapta: heated by sunlight, sun-warmed

• śilā-jātam: arising from rock, rocky in origin

• sadā: always

• abhra: cloud

• parivarjitam: avoided/free from, not afflicted by

• tasya: of it/thereof

• adhastāt: below/underneath

• vṛkṣa-gaṇe: in a group/cluster of trees

• diśām: of the directions

• bhāge: in the part/region

• ca: and

• paścime: in the west/western.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, Vastuvidya discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Site Selection
• Auspicious Land
• Temple Planning
• Environmental Signs

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to the Matsya Purana’s Vastuvidya instructions, focusing on practical signs of an auspicious, stable building site (sun-warmed rocky ground and a clear sky).

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

It guides rulers and householders in responsible settlement and construction: selecting healthy, stable land (dry, sunlit, not damp or overcast) supports prosperity, public welfare, and long-lasting buildings.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It gives Vastu criteria for bhūmi-parīkṣā (land-testing): prefer sun-exposed, rocky/stable terrain, avoid areas of constant cloudiness/dampness, and note surrounding features (like tree clusters) and directional placement (western quarter).