Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

जातीलतापरिक्षिप्तं विवरं चारुदर्शनम् दृष्ट्वैव कौतुकाविष्टस् तं विवेश महीपतिः //

Transliteration

jātīlatāparikṣiptaṃ vivaraṃ cārudarśanam dṛṣṭvaiva kautukāviṣṭas taṃ viveśa mahīpatiḥ //

Translation

Seeing a beautiful-looking opening encircled by jasmine creepers, the king—seized by curiosity—entered it at once.

Word by Word

• जातीलता (jātī-latā): jasmine creeper

• परिक्षिप्तम् (parikṣiptam): encircled, entwined all around

• विवरम् (vivaram): opening, cavity, cleft

• चारु-दर्शनम् (cāru-darśanam): pleasing to behold, beautiful in appearance

• दृष्ट्वा एव (dṛṣṭvā eva): having seen, immediately upon seeing

• कौतुक-आविष्टः (kautukāviṣṭaḥ): overcome/possessed by curiosity

• तम् (tam): that (opening)

• विवेश (viveśa): entered

• महीपतिः (mahīpatiḥ): the king, ruler of the earth.

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing the king’s action; likely within Sūta’s narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Mahīpati (the King)

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Site-Selection
• Caves
• Auspicious-Omens
• Narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it is a narrative moment describing a king’s curious entry into a naturally formed opening, likely used to frame a later teaching or discovery.

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

It portrays the king’s initiative and inquisitiveness—traits often valued in rulers—though the verse itself is descriptive; the ethical takeaway depends on the subsequent counsel or consequences of entering such a place.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The focus on a ‘vivara’ (opening/cavity) with pleasing appearance and natural adornment (jasmine creepers) aligns with Vāstu-style attention to site features and omens—how natural formations may signal suitability or prompt further examination.