Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — The Rite of Donating the ‘Mountain of Ghee’

Devanagari script

अल्पवित्तो ऽपि यः कुर्याद् द्वाभ्यामिह विधानतः विष्कम्भपर्वतांस्तद्वच् चतुर्भागेण कल्पयेत् //

Transliteration

alpavitto 'pi yaḥ kuryād dvābhyāmiha vidhānataḥ viṣkambhaparvatāṃstadvac caturbhāgeṇa kalpayet //

Translation

Even a person of limited means, if he undertakes (the construction) here according to the prescribed method, may make the viṣkambha-parvatas with only two parts; likewise, he should proportion and arrange them by dividing into four parts (a quarter-based scheme).

Word by Word

• alpavittaḥ: one of small wealth/limited resources

• api: even

• yaḥ: who

• kuryāt: should do/undertake

• dvābhyām: with two (units/parts/measurements)

• iha: here (in this procedure/context)

• vidhānataḥ: according to rule/prescription

• viṣkambha-parvatān: the viṣkambha ‘mountain-like’ supports/projections (structural vāstu element)

• tadvat: in the same manner/likewise

• caturbhāgena: by a fourfold division/by one-fourth measure

• kalpayet: should arrange/construct/compute.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in dialogue instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s vāstu discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Viṣkambha-parvata

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple architecture
• Proportions
• Measurements
• Economical construction

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on practical vāstu methodology—how to compute and build certain structural elements using simplified measures for those with limited resources.

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

It frames architecture as a regulated dharmic activity: even householders or patrons of modest means may build correctly by following śāstric proportioning, implying that right method matters as much as wealth.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It permits an economical specification for constructing the viṣkambha-parvata element and emphasizes a caturbhāga (four-part/quarter) proportional grid—key for maintaining canonical symmetry and stability in vāstu design.