Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — The Episode of Madhu and Kaiṭabha: Gunas

Devanagari script

महाविवृतताम्राक्षौ पीनोरस्कौ महाभुजौ महागिरेः संहननौ जङ्गमाविव पर्वतौ //

Transliteration

mahāvivṛtatāmrākṣau pīnoraskau mahābhujau mahāgireḥ saṃhananau jaṅgamāviva parvatau //

Translation

Their eyes are wide and reddish-brown; their chests are full and broad; their arms are mighty; their bodies are compact and powerfully built like a great mountain—like moving mountains themselves.

Word by Word

• mahā: great

• vivṛta: wide-open, expanded

• tāmra-akṣa: coppery/reddish-brown-eyed

• pīna-uraska: broad/full-chested

• mahā-bhuja: great-armed, mighty-armed

• mahā-giri: great mountain

• saṃhanana: compact build, firm bodily constitution

• jaṅgama: moving, living

• iva: like

• parvata: mountain

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instructional discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, describing ideal iconographic/heroic bodily marks)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Physical Marks
• Temple Art
• Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it gives iconographic/ideal physical characteristics—describing a powerful, mountain-like build used for depicting exalted beings.

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

Indirectly, it sets an ideal of strength, stability, and majesty—qualities praised for rulers and protectors—while primarily serving as a guideline for depicting revered figures in sacred art.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It supports temple-art and image-making practice: the deity (or exalted figure) should be sculpted with wide eyes, a full chest, strong arms, and a compact, mountain-like physique—key cues for Pratima-Lakshana within Vastu/Śilpa traditions.