Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — The Greatness of the Vibhūti-Dvādaśī Vow: Pushkara

Devanagari script

सभार्यस्तत्र गतवान् यत्रासौ मङ्गलध्वनिः तत्र मण्डपमध्यस्था विष्णोरर्चावलोकिता //

Transliteration

sabhāryastatra gatavān yatrāsau maṅgaladhvaniḥ tatra maṇḍapamadhyasthā viṣṇorarcāvalokitā //

Translation

Together with his wife, he went to the place where that auspicious sound was heard; there, standing in the middle of the pavilion, he beheld the worship-image of Lord Viṣṇu.

Word by Word

• sa-bhāryaḥ: along with (his) wife

• tatra: there

• gatavān: went/arrived

• yatra: where

• asau: that (very)

• maṅgala-dhvaniḥ: auspicious sound (benedictory music/chanting)

• tatra: there

• maṇḍapa: pavilion/ritual hall

• madhya-sthā: situated/standing in the middle

• viṣṇoḥ: of Viṣṇu

• arcā: worship-image/icon

• avalokitā: was seen/beheld

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the ritual episode in the Matsya Purana’s temple/ritual context)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu
• Arcā (worship-image)
• Maṇḍapa (pavilion)

Tags

• Iconography
• TempleRitual
• VastuShastra
• Mangala
• VishnuWorship

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on an auspicious ritual moment—approaching the mandapa and taking darśana of Viṣṇu’s arcā.

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

It reflects the gṛhastha ideal of participating in temple worship with one’s spouse, emphasizing family-based piety, auspicious conduct, and reverent darśana.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It highlights the maṇḍapa as a key ritual space and indicates that the deity’s arcā is viewed from/near the center—useful for understanding temple movement, placement, and ceremonial sound (maṅgala-dhvani) during worship.