Shloka 21

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

Devanagari script

कामेन काञ्चनमयेन विराजमानम् आकारयेत्कुसुमवस्त्रविलेपनाढ्यम् क्षीरारुणोदसरसाथ वनेन चैवं रौप्येण शक्तिघटितेन विराजमानम् //

Transliteration

kāmena kāñcanamayena virājamānam ākārayetkusumavastravilepanāḍhyam kṣīrāruṇodasarasātha vanena caivaṃ raupyeṇa śaktighaṭitena virājamānam //

Translation

One should have it fashioned so that it shines in gold, richly adorned with flowers, garments, and unguents. Likewise, it may be made to appear with a milky-white or reddish hue, and also in silver—resplendent and firmly constructed with proper strength.

Word by Word

• kāmena: by desire / as desired / according to intention

• kāñcana-mayena: made of gold

• virājamānam: shining, resplendent

• ākārayet: one should cause to be made / have crafted

• kusuma: flowers

• vastra: cloth, garments

• vilepana: unguent, cosmetic paste, anointing

• āḍhyam: abundant, richly furnished

• kṣīra: milk, milky-white

• aruṇa/āruṇa: reddish, tawny

• uda/odā: water / watery lustre (contextually: hue/appearance)

• sarasa: with essence/beauty, pleasing

• atha: then/also

• vanena: with forest-products (leaves, garlands, fragrant materials) / with woodland adornments

• ca: and

• evaṃ: thus, in this manner

• raupyeṇa: in silver

• śakti: strength, firmness

• ghaṭitena: properly joined/assembled/constructed

• virājamānam: shining, resplendent

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Pratima Lakshana
• Iconography
• Ritual Adornment
• Temple Craft

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on sacred making—how an icon or ritual object should be crafted, colored, and adorned for worship.

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

It supports the duty of patronage and proper worship: a king or householder should commission well-made, durable sacred images and maintain them with correct adornment (flowers, clothing, anointing) as part of dharmic ritual life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It gives pratima/installation specifications: acceptable materials (gold, silver), visual qualities (milky-white or reddish appearance), and the need for sound construction (śakti-ghaṭita), along with standard ritual adornments.