Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — The Observance of Ananta-Tritiya

Devanagari script

विन्यसेत्पश्चिमे सौम्यां सदा मदनवासिनीम् वायव्ये पाटलामुग्राम् अन्तरेण ततो ऽप्युमाम् //

Transliteration

vinyasetpaścime saumyāṃ sadā madanavāsinīm vāyavye pāṭalāmugrām antareṇa tato 'pyumām //

Translation

One should install the gentle Saumyā in the western quarter—ever as the beloved abode of Madana (Kāma). In the north‑west (vāyavya) one should place the fierce Pāṭalā; and in the intermediate position thereafter, one should place Umā as well.

Word by Word

• vinyaset: one should place/install

• paścime: in the west

• saumyām: the gentle one / Saumyā (a goddess-form)

• sadā: always

• madana-vāsinīm: dwelling with/abode of Madana (Kāma)

• vāyavye: in the north-west direction

• pāṭalām: Pāṭalā (a goddess-form/name)

• ugrām: fierce, formidable

• antareṇa: in the intermediate space/position (between directions)

• tataḥ api: then also/thereafter as well

• umām: Umā (Pārvatī).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Saumyā
• Madana (Kāma)
• Pāṭalā
• Umā (Pārvatī)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple iconography
• Dik-vinyasa
• Deity placement
• Ritual layout

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it is a Vastuvidyā instruction on where specific goddess-forms are to be installed within a directional sacred layout.

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

It frames a practical dharma-duty: patrons (kings/householders) must commission and install deities according to prescribed directional rules so that a shrine, household worship-space, or public temple is ritually correct and auspicious.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It gives dik-vinyāsa (directional placement): Saumyā in the west, Pāṭalā in the northwest, and Umā in an intermediate position—guiding the icon-plan and ritual installation sequence in a temple/mandala.