Shloka 35

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

भूषितं च तथा देवम् अङ्गदैरङ्गुलीयकैः फणीन्द्रफणविन्यस्तचारुरत्नशिरोज्ज्वलम् //

Transliteration

bhūṣitaṃ ca tathā devam aṅgadairaṅgulīyakaiḥ phaṇīndraphaṇavinyastacāruratnaśirojjvalam //

Translation

And in that manner the Deity should be adorned with armlets and finger-rings, shining with a beautiful jewel set upon the hood of the lord of serpents (Śeṣa).

Word by Word

• bhūṣitam: adorned

• ca: and

• tathā: thus/in that manner

• devam: the Deity (the divine icon)

• aṅgadaiḥ: with armlets

• aṅgulīyakaiḥ: with finger-rings

• phaṇīndra: lord of serpents (Śeṣa/Ananta)

• phaṇa: hood

• vinyasta: placed/set

• cāru: lovely/beautiful

• ratna: jewel/gem

• śiraḥ: head/crest

• ujjvalam: radiant/shining

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on iconographic rules)

Entities Mentioned

• Deva (the deity/icon)
• Phaṇīndra (Śeṣa/Ananta)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Temple Ritual
• Ornaments
• Vishnu

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it focuses on iconographic adornment—how the deity’s form should be ornamented and made visually radiant.

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

It supports dharma through proper worship: patrons (kings/householders) are encouraged to commission and maintain correctly adorned icons for temple and household rites, aligning devotion with scriptural standards.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it specifies approved ornaments (armlets, rings) and a defining feature (a jewel on Śeṣa’s hood), guiding temple icon-making and decoration standards within Matsya Purana-style pratima-lakshana.