Shloka 27

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

इन्द्रनीलमहास्तम्भं मरकतासक्तवेदिकम् वज्रांशुजालैः स्फुरितं रम्यं दृष्टिमनोरमम् //

Transliteration

indranīlamahāstambhaṃ marakatāsaktavedikam vajrāṃśujālaiḥ sphuritaṃ ramyaṃ dṛṣṭimanoramam //

Translation

It had great pillars of sapphire (indranīla), an altar-platform inlaid with emeralds, and it glittered with a network of diamond-like rays—charming, and delightful to behold.

Word by Word

• इन्द्रनील (indranīla): sapphire/blue gem

• महास्तम्भम् (mahāstambham): great pillar(s), massive column(s)

• मरकत (marakata): emerald

• आसक्त (āsakta): inlaid with, set upon/attached to

• वेदिकम् (vedikam): altar-platform, pedestal, raised base

• वज्र (vajra): diamond, adamantine

• अंशु (aṃśu): ray, beam of light

• जालैः (jālaiḥ): with nets/lattices, with networks

• स्फुरितम् (sphuritam): flashing, glittering, throbbing with light

• रम्यम् (ramyam): beautiful, pleasing

• दृष्टि-मनोरमम् (dṛṣṭi-manoramam): delightful to the sight, visually enchanting

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) conveying the Matsya Purana’s description within the Vastuvidya passage

Entities Mentioned

• Indranila
• Marakata
• Vajra

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Puranic temple architecture
• Gem inlay
• Mandapa
• Altar design

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on sacred architectural splendor—pillars, altar-platforms, and radiant ornamentation—typical of the Matsya Purana’s Vastuvidya descriptions.

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

Indirectly, it supports the dharmic ideal that kings and householders patronize well-designed sacred spaces—beautifying temples/altars as an act of merit (puṇya) and public welfare through orderly, auspicious construction.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It highlights Vastu-aligned sacred aesthetics: indranīla pillars and a marakata-inlaid vedikā (altar/pedestal) that “glitters” with vajra-like radiance—imagery used to specify auspicious materials, elevated platforms, and visually sanctifying brilliance in temple or ritual structures.