Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — The Observance of Viśoka-Dvādaśī: A Lakṣmī–Viṣṇu Vow for Sorrow-Removal and P...

Devanagari script

चतुरस्रं समन्ताच्च रत्निमात्रमुदक्प्लवम् श्लक्ष्णं हृद्यं च परितो वप्रत्रयसमावृतम् //

Transliteration

caturasraṃ samantācca ratnimātramudakplavam ślakṣṇaṃ hṛdyaṃ ca parito vapratrayasamāvṛtam //

Translation

Let it be square on all sides, with a water-slope for drainage of one ratni; smooth and pleasing to the eye, and enclosed all around by three ramparts (earthen embankments).

Word by Word

• चतुरस्रम्: square/four-sided

• समन्तात् च: on all sides/throughout

• रत्निमात्रम्: of the measure of one ratni (a traditional hand-span/forearm-based unit)

• उदक्प्लवम् (उदक-प्लवम्): having a water-fall/slope for drainage

• श्लक्ष्णम्: smooth/even-finished

• हृद्यम्: pleasing, agreeable, aesthetically satisfying

• च: and

• परितः: all around

• वप्रत्रयसमावृतम्: surrounded/enclosed by three ramparts/embankments (vapra = earthen rampart).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Vastuvidya discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Vapra (rampart/embankment)
• Ratni (measure)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Town Planning
• Fortification
• Drainage
• Measurement

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it gives practical Vastu guidance—shape, drainage slope, surface finish, and defensive enclosure—showing how order and stability are established in human settlements.

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

For a king, it supports rajadharma through safe, well-drained, fortified civic planning; for householders/builders, it prescribes a clean, stable, aesthetically proper construction standard that prevents water damage and disorder.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it mandates a square plan, a defined drainage fall of one ratni, a smooth finish, and triple ramparts—key Vastu principles for durability, sanitation, and protection in settlement or precinct design.