Shloka 172

Matsya Purana — The Strategy to Defeat Tāraka: Pārvatī’s Birth

Devanagari script

तत्रापि श्रेयसां ह्याशा मुने न प्रतिभाति नः शरीरलक्षणाश्चान्ये पृथक्फलनिवेदिनः //

Transliteration

tatrāpi śreyasāṃ hyāśā mune na pratibhāti naḥ śarīralakṣaṇāścānye pṛthakphalanivedinaḥ //

Translation

Even in that matter, O sage, we do not clearly perceive any assured hope of the highest good; for there are other bodily marks and characteristics too, each proclaiming a different and separate result.

Word by Word

• तत्रापि: even there/in that matter

• श्रेयसाम्: of the highest good/true welfare

• हि: indeed

• आशा: hope/expectation

• मुने: O sage

• न: not

• प्रतिभाति: appears/is clear

• नः: to us/for us

• शरीरलक्षणाः: bodily marks/physical characteristics

• च: and

• अन्ये: other/others

• पृथक्: separately/differently

• फल: result/fruit

• निवेदिनः: indicating/proclaiming/setting forth

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (inquiring party addressing the sage)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Muni (sage)
• Śarīra-lakṣaṇa (bodily marks)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Phala
• Dharma
• Interpretation

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya directly; it focuses on interpretive uncertainty about “highest good” when multiple bodily/iconographic marks are each said to yield distinct fruits.

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

It reflects a dharmic caution relevant to rulers and householders: when scriptural signs and promised outcomes conflict, one should seek authoritative clarification from a competent sage before acting or patronizing rituals/icons.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It signals an iconographic principle: different physical characteristics (lakṣaṇas) of a form/image are taught as producing different ritual merits (phala), so correct identification and specification of features is crucial in pratima-making and temple practice.