Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — The Episode of Madhu and Kaiṭabha: Gunas

Devanagari script

दिव्यरक्ताम्बरधरौ श्वेतदीप्तोग्रदंष्ट्रिणौ किरीटकुण्डलोदग्रौ केयूरवलयोज्ज्वलौ //

Transliteration

divyaraktāmbaradharau śvetadīptogradaṃṣṭriṇau kirīṭakuṇḍalodagrau keyūravalayojjvalau //

Translation

Both are clad in divine red garments; their formidable tusks gleam with a brilliant white radiance. They are splendid with tall crowns and prominent earrings, and they shine with armlets and bracelets.

Word by Word

• divya: divine, celestial

• rakta-ambara: red garments

• dharau: (the two) wearing/bearing

• śveta: white

• dīpta: blazing, radiant

• ugra: fierce, formidable

• daṃṣṭriṇau: (the two) having tusks

• kirīṭa: crown/diadem

• kuṇḍala: earrings

• udagrau: lofty/prominent

• keyūra: armlet

• valaya: bracelet/bangle

• ujjvalau: shining, resplendent

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu on iconography (pratimā-lakṣaṇa)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Temple Art
• Ornamentation
• Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on iconographic markers—garments, radiance, tusks, and ornaments—used to identify and properly depict a divine form.

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

It supports the dharma of patronage: kings and householders commissioning temples and images should ensure scripturally correct features (dress, ornaments, luster) so worship is performed with proper form and reverence.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It functions as a pratimā-lakṣaṇa checklist for temple sculpture and consecration—specifying attire and ornaments (crown, earrings, armlets, bracelets) and an auspicious radiant appearance to be represented in the image.