Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — The Greatness of Prayaga and the Supremacy of Cow-Donation

Devanagari script

ईप्सितांल्लभते कामान् वदन्ति ऋषिपुंगवाः सर्वरत्नमयैर्दिव्यैर् नानाध्वजसमाकुलैः वराङ्गनासमाकीर्णैर् मोदते शुभलक्षणैः //

Transliteration

īpsitāṃllabhate kāmān vadanti ṛṣipuṃgavāḥ sarvaratnamayairdivyair nānādhvajasamākulaiḥ varāṅganāsamākīrṇair modate śubhalakṣaṇaiḥ //

Translation

The foremost Ṛṣis declare that one attains the desired enjoyments; and, amid divine mansions fashioned of every kind of jewel—thronged with many banners and filled with excellent women bearing auspicious marks—he delights in blessed fortune.

Word by Word

• īpsitān: desired

• labhate: obtains

• kāmān: pleasures/desired objects

• vadanti: declare

• ṛṣipuṅgavāḥ: the best of sages

• sarva-ratna-mayaiḥ: made of all gems

• divyaiḥ: divine/splendid

• nānā-dhvaja-samākulaiḥ: crowded with various banners/flags

• vara-aṅganā-samākīrṇaiḥ: filled with excellent women

• modate: rejoices/delights

• śubha-lakṣaṇaiḥ: with auspicious marks/fortune

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, as framed in the Matsya Purana’s instruction style)

Entities Mentioned

• Rishis (ṛṣipuṅgavaḥ)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Royal Prosperity
• Auspiciousness
• Banners (Dhvaja)
• Merit (Phala)

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya directly; it describes the auspicious “fruits” (phala) of divine, splendid constructions—prosperity, desired enjoyments, and fortunate circumstances.

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

It aligns with the Purana’s ethic that righteous patronage—especially commissioning auspicious, well-adorned buildings and public works—brings legitimate prosperity (kāma) and social splendor, a key aim of royal and household dharma when guided by virtue.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architectural auspicious markers are highlighted: jewel-like brilliance (ratna-maya imagery), the presence of banners (dhvaja) as auspicious emblems, and “śubha-lakṣaṇa” indicating favorable signs—typical Vastu/Prāsāda-lakṣaṇa language linking design features with beneficent results.