Shloka 29

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

जानुनाकुञ्चितस्त्वेको देवदेवस्य चक्रिणः फणीन्द्रसंनिविष्टो ऽङ्घ्रिर् द्वितीयश्च तथानघ //

Transliteration

jānunākuñcitastveko devadevasya cakriṇaḥ phaṇīndrasaṃniviṣṭo 'ṅghrir dvitīyaśca tathānagha //

Translation

O sinless one, of the Lord of gods who bears the discus, one leg should be bent at the knee, and the second foot should be placed upon the serpent‑king (Śeṣa).

Word by Word

• जानुना (jānunā): by/at the knee

• आकुञ्चितः (ākuñcitaḥ): bent, contracted

• तु (tu): indeed

• एकः (ekaḥ): one (leg)

• देवदेवस्य (devadevasya): of the God of gods

• चक्रिणः (cakriṇaḥ): of the discus-bearer (Vishnu)

• फणीन्द्र (phaṇīndra): serpent-king (Śeṣa)

• संनिविष्टः (saṃniviṣṭaḥ): placed, set, resting

• अङ्घ्रिः (aṅghriḥ): foot

• द्वितीयः (dvitīyaḥ): the second

• च (ca): and

• तथा (tathā): thus, likewise

• अनघ (anagha): O faultless one

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (likely address: anagha)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu (Cakrin)
• Shesha (Phaṇīndra)
• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Vishnu Murti
• Temple Sculpture
• Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

It does not directly discuss pralaya; instead, it preserves the postural canon for depicting Vishnu, supporting correct ritual visualization and temple worship that remain constant across cosmic cycles.

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

By prescribing correct forms for sacred images, it supports dharmic patronage—kings and householders gain merit by commissioning, installing, and worshipping properly made Vishnu mūrtis according to śāstric rules.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

This is a pratima-lakṣaṇa instruction: Vishnu’s stance is defined—one leg bent at the knee and the other foot resting on Śeṣa—guiding sculptors, temple planners, and priests in accurate icon-making and installation.