Shloka 33

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

तृतीयं तु भुजं तस्य चतुर्थं तु तथा शृणु आत्तसंतानकुसुमं घ्राणदेशानुसर्पिणम् //

Transliteration

tṛtīyaṃ tu bhujaṃ tasya caturthaṃ tu tathā śṛṇu āttasaṃtānakusumaṃ ghrāṇadeśānusarpiṇam //

Translation

Now hear of the third arm of that deity-image, and likewise the fourth: it should be shown as taking the fragrant santāna flower and moving it toward the region of the nose, as though to smell it.

Word by Word

• तृतीयम्: the third

• तु: indeed/now

• भुजम्: arm

• तस्य: of that (image/deity)

• चतुर्थम्: the fourth

• तथा: likewise

• शृणु: hear (listen)

• आत्त: taken/held

• सन्तानकुसुमम्: the santāna flower (a fragrant blossom)

• घ्राणदेश: the region of the nose

• अनुसर्पिणम्: moving along/tending toward (approaching).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on iconographic procedure)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu
• Santāna flower

Tags

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

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it gives a precise iconographic instruction for depicting the deity’s arms and gesture, relevant to image-construction and worship.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic duties by prescribing correct temple-image formation and devotional aesthetics—patrons (kings/householders) are expected to sponsor and maintain properly made icons for public and domestic worship.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies a sculptural/ritual gesture (mudrā/bhāva): the third/fourth arm should hold a fragrant santāna flower and bring it toward the nose, guiding artisans in accurate temple iconography and devotional symbolism.