Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — The Rite and Glory of Meru-Dāna: The Tenfold ‘Gift of Meru’ and Mountain-Offe...

Devanagari script

गोमयेनानुलिप्तायां भूमावास्तीर्य वै कुशान् तन्मध्ये पर्वतं कुर्याद् विष्कम्भपर्वतान्वितम् //

Transliteration

gomayenānuliptāyāṃ bhūmāvāstīrya vai kuśān tanmadhye parvataṃ kuryād viṣkambhaparvatānvitam //

Translation

On ground smeared with cow-dung, one should spread kuśa grass; in its midst one should construct a raised mound, furnished with the prescribed breadth and dimensions.

Word by Word

• gomayena: with cow-dung

• anuliptāyām: (when) smeared/plastered

• bhūmau: on the ground

• āstīrya: having spread

• vai: indeed

• kuśān: kuśa grasses

• tat-madhye: in its middle

• parvatam: a mound/raised heap (lit. ‘mountain’)

• kuryāt: should make/construct

• viṣkambha: breadth/diameter/span (architectural measure)

• parvata-anvitam: furnished with/according to the mound’s prescribed measures (i.e., properly dimensioned).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, Vastu/ritual procedure context)

Entities Mentioned

• Kuśa grass
• Gomaya (cow-dung)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Ritual Purification
• Bhumi Shodhana
• Temple Building
• Measurements

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on ritual and architectural preparation—purifying the ground and setting a properly measured central mound for construction or a sacred setup.

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

It reflects the duty to perform works—especially religious or public constructions—according to śāstra: purifying the site (cow-dung plaster), using auspicious materials (kuśa), and following correct measurements to ensure dharmic, orderly building.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It prescribes bhūmi-śodhana (cow-dung plastering), āstaraṇa (spreading kuśa), and creating a central raised mound with defined viṣkambha (breadth/diameter), indicating a measured foundation or ritual center-point in Vastu practice.