Shloka 14

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

Devanagari script

अङ्गुलेनोच्छ्रिता वप्रास् तद्विस्तारस्तु द्व्यङ्गुलः स्थण्डिलस्योपरिष्टाच्च भित्तिरष्टाङ्गुला भवेत् //

Transliteration

aṅgulenocchritā vaprās tadvistārastu dvyaṅgulaḥ sthaṇḍilasyopariṣṭācca bhittiraṣṭāṅgulā bhavet //

Translation

The embankments (vaprāḥ) should be raised by one aṅgula (finger-breadth), and their breadth should be two aṅgulas. Above the sthaṇḍila (prepared ritual platform), the wall (bhitti) should be eight aṅgulas high.

Word by Word

• aṅgulena: by one aṅgula (finger-breadth)

• ucchritāḥ: raised/elevated

• vaprāḥ: embankments/ridges

• tat-vistāraḥ: its breadth/width

• tu: indeed

• dvi-aṅgulaḥ: two aṅgulas

• sthaṇḍilasya: of the sthaṇḍila (ritual ground/platform)

• upariṣṭāt: above/on top

• ca: and

• bhittiḥ: wall/side-wall

• aṣṭa-aṅgulā: eight aṅgulas

• bhavet: should be/ought to be.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Sthaṇḍila
• Vapra
• Bhitti
• Aṅgula (unit of measure)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Ritual Platform
• Measurements
• Temple Architecture
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it gives precise architectural/ritual measurements for constructing the sthaṇḍila and its surrounding features.

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

It supports dharmic duty by prescribing correct, measured construction for rites and sacred spaces—relevant to household ritual practice and to royal patronage of properly built yajña-sites and temples.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It standardizes proportions: a 1-aṅgula rise for the embankment, 2-aṅgula width, and an 8-aṅgula wall above the ritual platform—ensuring correct form, stability, and ritual correctness per Vāstu-vidyā.