Shloka 9

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

वज्रकेसरजालानि सुगन्धीनि तथा युतम् पत्त्रैर् मरकतैर् नीलैर् वैडूर्यस्य महीपते //

Transliteration

vajrakesarajālāni sugandhīni tathā yutam pattrair marakatair nīlair vaiḍūryasya mahīpate //

Translation

O king, it should be furnished with fragrant, vajra-like filigreed networks, and adorned with leaves of emerald and dark-blue gems, together with vaidūrya (cat’s-eye) stones.

Word by Word

• वज्र (vajra): diamond/adamant

• केसर (kesara): filament/stamen/crest (used for ornamental detailing)

• जालानि (jālāni): networks, lattices, filigree patterns

• सुगन्धीनि (sugandhīni): fragrant, sweet-smelling

• तथा (tathā): and also

• युतम् (yutam): joined with, furnished with

• पत्त्रैः (pattraiḥ): with leaves/leaf-like motifs

• मरकतैः (marakataiḥ): with emeralds

• नीलैः (nīlaiḥ): with blue sapphires/blue gems

• वैडूर्यस्य (vaiḍūryasya): of cat’s-eye gem (vaidūrya)

• महीपते (mahīpate): O lord of the earth, O king

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple Architecture
• Iconography
• Ornamentation
• Gemology

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to the technical architectural-aesthetic instructions, focusing on how sacred/royal works should be ornamented with fragrant materials and gemstones.

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

By addressing “mahīpati” (king), it frames patronage as a royal duty: ensuring temples/royal edifices are built and adorned according to śāstra, using appropriate, high-quality materials that reflect order, prosperity, and dharmic kingship.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies decorative standards—filigree/lattice-like ornament (jāla), leaf-motif work, and gemstone inlay (emerald, blue gems, vaidūrya)—indicating approved materials and motifs for consecrated or prestigious constructions.