Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

तथा पुष्करिणी रम्या तस्मिन्राजञ्शिलातले सुशीतामलपानीया जलजैश्च विराजिता //

Transliteration

tathā puṣkariṇī ramyā tasminrājañśilātale suśītāmalapānīyā jalajaiśca virājitā //

Translation

Likewise, O King, upon that stone-laid ground there was a delightful lotus-tank (puṣkariṇī), whose drinking-water was clear and pleasantly cool, and which shone adorned with water-born plants.

Word by Word

• तथा: likewise

• पुष्करिणी: a lotus-tank/temple tank

• रम्या: charming, beautiful

• तस्मिन्: there/in that place

• राजन्: O King

• शिलातले: on a stone pavement/stone-laid surface

• सु-शीत: very cool, pleasantly cool

• अमल: spotless, pure/clear

• पानीय: fit for drinking/drinking-water

• जलजैः: with water-born (lotuses, lilies, aquatic growth)

• च: and

• विराजिता: splendid, resplendent, adorned

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (addressed as 'O King')

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Puṣkariṇī (temple tank)
• Jalaja (lotus/aquatic plants)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple Tank
• Tirtha
• Sacred Architecture
• Ritual Purity

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it focuses on an auspicious, well-constructed water-tank (puṣkariṇī) as part of sacred or royal architecture, emphasizing purity and beauty.

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

By addressing “O King,” the text frames public works as dharmic kingship: maintaining pure, cool, drinkable water sources and beautifying communal spaces—an ethical duty connected to welfare, cleanliness, and merit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It highlights key Vastu/ritual ideals for a temple tank: stone-laid surroundings (durability and cleanliness), potable clear water (ritual purity), and lotus/aquatic plants (auspiciousness and sacred aesthetics).