Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — The Rite of Gifting the ‘Silver Mountain’

Devanagari script

पूर्ववद्राजतान्कुर्वन् मन्दरादीन्विधानतः कलधौतमयांस्तद्वल् लोकेशानर्चयेद्बुधः //

Transliteration

pūrvavadrājatānkurvan mandarādīnvidhānataḥ kaladhautamayāṃstadval lokeśānarcayedbudhaḥ //

Translation

As described earlier, the wise man should fashion the required images in silver—such as Mandara and the rest—according to the prescribed rules; likewise, he should worship the Lokapālas (world-guardians) with images made of kaladhauta (refined gold).

Word by Word

• pūrvavat: as previously stated/according to the earlier method

• rājātān: (objects/images) made of silver

• kurvan: making, fashioning

• mandarādīn: Mandara and others (the group beginning with Mandara)

• vidhānataḥ: in accordance with injunctions/ritual rule

• kaladhauta-mayān: made of kaladhauta (purified/refined gold)

• tadvat: in the same manner

• lokeśān: the lords/guardians of the worlds (Lokapālas/Dikpālas)

• arcayet: should worship

• budhaḥ: a wise/learned person.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (context of ritual/iconographic procedure)

Entities Mentioned

• Lokapālas (Dikpālas)
• Mandara
• Kaladauta (refined gold)
• Rājata (silver)

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Pratima Lakshana
• Ritual Worship
• Metals in Icon-making
• Lokapala Puja

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on ritual and iconographic procedure—specifically, making and worshipping prescribed deities/guardians with images fashioned from particular metals.

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

It frames a dhārmic duty of regulated worship: a responsible patron (king or householder) should commission and perform worship according to śāstric injunctions, including proper materials (silver, refined gold) for specific divine figures.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the material specification in icon-making: certain figures (e.g., the set beginning with Mandara) are to be made in silver, while the Lokapālas are to be worshipped with kaladhauta (refined-gold) images, emphasizing precise adherence to Pratima-lakṣaṇa and temple-ritual standards.