Shloka 60

Matsya Purana — The Gods Seek Śiva’s Refuge: The Cosmic Chariot Prepared for the Burning of T...

Devanagari script

ध्वजोच्छ्रयविनिर्माणे ध्वजयष्टिमनुत्तमाम् आक्रम्य नन्दी वृषभस् तस्थौ तस्मिञ्छिवेच्छया //

Transliteration

dhvajocchrayavinirmāṇe dhvajayaṣṭimanuttamām ākramya nandī vṛṣabhas tasthau tasmiñchivecchayā //

Translation

During the construction and raising of the temple flagstaff, Nandin—the bull—stepped upon the excellent flagpole and stood there, by Śiva’s own will.

Word by Word

• ध्वज-उच्छ्रय-विनिर्माणे: in the making/erection of the flagstaff

• ध्वज-यष्टिम्: the flagpole/flagstaff

• अनुत्तमाम्: most excellent, unsurpassed

• आक्रम्य: having stepped upon, mounting

• नन्दी: Nandin (Śiva’s attendant)

• वृषभः: the bull

• तस्थौ: stood, remained

• तस्मिन्: there/upon it

• शिव-इच्छया: by Śiva’s will.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Shiva
• Nandin
• Vrishabha (bull)
• Dhvaja-yashti (flagstaff)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple Rituals
• Dhvaja-stambha
• Shaiva Iconography
• Omens

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on a ritual-architectural event—raising the temple flagstaff—and presents the occurrence as directed by Śiva’s will.

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

It supports the duty of patrons (kings/householders) to follow proper temple-building rites and to read extraordinary occurrences during construction as meaningful signs requiring reverent, dharmic response rather than negligence.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It highlights the dhvaja-yashti (temple flagstaff) rite and treats Nandin standing upon it as an auspicious, Śiva-sanctioned sign connected to correct installation and sacred approval.