Shloka 32

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

समाकुञ्चितजानुस्थमणिबन्धेन शोभितम् किंचिदाकुञ्चितं चैव नाभिदेशकरस्थितम् //

Transliteration

samākuñcitajānusthamaṇibandhena śobhitam kiṃcidākuñcitaṃ caiva nābhideśakarasthitam //

Translation

Adorned by a bracelet (maṇibandha) near the evenly bent knee, and with the arm slightly flexed, the hand is to be placed at the region of the navel.

Word by Word

• समाकुञ्चित (samākuñcita): evenly bent, symmetrically flexed

• जानु (jānu): knee

• स्थ (stha): situated/resting

• मणिबन्ध (maṇibandha): wrist, bracelet (wrist-ornament)

• शोभितम् (śobhitam): beautified, adorned

• किंचित् (kiṃcid): slightly, a little

• आकुञ्चितम् (ākuñcitam): bent, flexed

• च एव (ca eva): and indeed

• नाभि (nābhi): navel

• देश (deśa): region/area

• कर (kara): hand

• स्थितम् (sthitam): placed/positioned

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching iconographic rules to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Vastu Shastra
• Temple Arts
• Mudra

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on pratima-lakṣaṇa—precise sculptural posture and ornament placement for a deity image.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma through correct temple patronage: a king or householder who commissions images should ensure the icon follows śāstric posture rules, preserving ritual efficacy and tradition.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It gives a technical iconographic prescription: the wrist/bracelet position, a slight bend of the arm, and the hand placed at the navel region—details essential for correct deity installation and worship.