Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

आकाशप्रतिमा राजंश् चतुरस्रा मनोहरा तस्यास्तदुदकं स्वादु लघु शीतं सुगन्धिकम् //

Transliteration

ākāśapratimā rājaṃś caturasrā manoharā tasyāstadudakaṃ svādu laghu śītaṃ sugandhikam //

Translation

O King, it is like the very sky—square in form and delightful to behold; and the water within it is sweet, light (easy to digest), cool, and fragrant.

Word by Word

• आकाश-प्रतिमा: resembling the sky

• राजन्: O King

• चतुरस्रा: four-sided/square

• मनोहरा: charming, pleasing to the mind

• तस्याः: of it/of that (reservoir)

• तत्-उदकम्: that water

• स्वादु: sweet, pleasant-tasting

• लघु: light/easily digestible

• शीतम्: cool

• सुगन्धिकम्: fragrant, sweet-smelling

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, addressed as ‘O King’)

Entities Mentioned

• King (Rajān)
• Water (Udaka)
• Square reservoir (Caturasrā—implied vāpī/puṣkariṇī context)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Water architecture
• Pushkarini
• Vapi
• Auspicious design

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on Vastu/utility—describing an ideal, auspicious reservoir and the superior qualities of its water.

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

It supports the kingly duty of public welfare: establishing well-designed water works (tanks/stepwells) that provide wholesome, pleasant water for people and ritual needs.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The square (caturasra) form is presented as aesthetically and functionally auspicious, and the water’s qualities (sweet, cool, fragrant, light) mark it as fit for both daily use and sacred/ritual contexts.