Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — The Observance of Ananta-Tritiya

Devanagari script

एवं सम्पूज्य विधिवद् अग्रतः पद्ममालिखेत् पत्त्रैर्द्वादशभिर्युक्तं कुङ्कुमेन सकर्णिकम् //

Transliteration

evaṃ sampūjya vidhivad agrataḥ padmamālikhet pattrairdvādaśabhiryuktaṃ kuṅkumena sakarṇikam //

Translation

Thus, after duly offering worship according to the prescribed rite, one should draw a lotus in front, furnished with twelve petals, and with its pericarp (karṇikā) indicated, using kuṅkuma (saffron).

Word by Word

• evaṃ: thus

• sampūjya: having worshipped well/fully

• vidhivat: according to rule, ritually

• agrataḥ: in front

• padmam: a lotus (diagram/mandala)

• ālikhet: one should draw/inscribe

• pattraiḥ: with petals/leaves

• dvādaśabhiḥ: twelve

• yuktaṃ: endowed/connected with

• kuṅkumena: with saffron/vermillion pigment

• sa-karṇikam: with the karṇikā (pericarp/central core) included/marked

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu
• Padma (lotus diagram)
• Kuṅkuma

Tags

• Matsya Purana Vastu Shastra tips
• Ritual diagram
• Padma mandala
• Iconography
• Temple ritual procedure

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it gives a practical ritual instruction—after worship, a lotus-diagram is to be drawn as part of a ceremonial setup.

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

It reflects the householder/royal duty of performing rites correctly (vidhivat). A king or patron commissioning rituals or temples must ensure proper procedural details, including prescribed sacred diagrams.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It prescribes a padma (lotus) mandala with twelve petals and a marked center (karṇikā), drawn with kuṅkuma—typical of Vastu/temple-ritual layout symbolism and consecratory procedures.