Shloka 34

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

लक्ष्म्या संवाह्यमानाङ्घ्रिः पद्मपत्त्रनिभैः करैः संतानमालामुकुटं हारकेयूरभूषितम् //

Transliteration

lakṣmyā saṃvāhyamānāṅghriḥ padmapattranibhaiḥ karaiḥ saṃtānamālāmukuṭaṃ hārakeyūrabhūṣitam //

Translation

His feet are gently massaged by Lakṣmī with hands as delicate as lotus-petals; he is adorned with a saṃtāna garland and a crown, and ornamented with necklaces and armlets.

Word by Word

• लक्ष्म्या (lakṣmyā): by Lakṣmī

• संवाह्यमान (saṃvāhyamāna): being massaged, being gently rubbed

• अङ्घ्रिः (aṅghriḥ): feet

• पद्मपत्त्र-निभैः (padma-pattranibhaiḥ): resembling lotus-petals

• करैः (karaiḥ): with hands

• संतान-माला (saṃtāna-mālā): a saṃtāna garland (a specific decorative/flower garland)

• मुकुटम् (mukuṭam): crown

• हार (hāra): necklace

• केयूर (keyūra): armlet

• भूषितम् (bhūṣitam): adorned, ornamented

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructor voice describing iconographic standards to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lakshmi
• Vishnu (Narayana/Hari implied)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Lakshmi-Narayana
• Temple Art
• Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on iconographic description—how the deity (Vishnu) should be depicted with Lakṣmī attending him and with specific ornaments.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma by prescribing correct forms for worship: kings and householders who sponsor temples or images should ensure the deity is represented according to śāstric lakṣaṇa (canonical features), which is considered meritorious and stabilizing for society.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It provides pratima-lakṣaṇa details used by sculptors and temple planners: Lakṣmī’s posture/service at the deity’s feet and the specified ornaments (garland, crown, necklaces, armlets) guide the correct visual program for sanctum images and relief panels.