Shloka 63

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

Devanagari script

यमस्तूर्णं समास्थाय महिषं चातिदारुणम् द्रविणाधिपतिर्व्यालं सुराणामधिपो द्विपम् //

Transliteration

yamastūrṇaṃ samāsthāya mahiṣaṃ cātidāruṇam draviṇādhipatirvyālaṃ surāṇāmadhipo dvipam //

Translation

Yama should be depicted as swiftly mounted upon a most fearsome buffalo; the Lord of wealth, Kubera, upon a vyāla (a mythical beast); and the Lord of the gods, Indra, upon an elephant.

Word by Word

• यमः: Yama (lord of death)

• तूर्णम्: swiftly, quickly

• समास्थाय: having mounted, seated upon

• महिषम्: buffalo

• च: and

• अतिदारुणम्: exceedingly fierce/terrible

• द्रविणाधिपतिः: lord of wealth (Kubera)

• व्यालम्: vyāla, a fabulous beast/griffin-like creature

• सुराणाम्: of the gods

• अधिपः: lord (Indra)

• द्विपम्: elephant

Speaker

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

Entities Mentioned

• Yama
• Kubera
• Indra
• Mahisha (buffalo mount)
• Vyala
• Elephant (Airavata implied)

Tags

• Iconography
• Vahana
• Pratima Lakshana
• Temple Art
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it is an iconographic prescription describing the correct mounts (vāhanas) for deities in sacred art.

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

Indirectly, it guides rulers/householders who sponsor temples and images: commissioning correct deity forms (including mounts) is treated as a dharmic act that preserves ritual accuracy and merit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies pratima-lakṣaṇa (image standards): Yama with a fierce buffalo, Kubera with a vyāla, and Indra with an elephant—key details for temple sculpture, panel programs, and consecration inventories.