Shloka 186

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

Devanagari script

लक्षणं दैविको ह्यङ्कः शरीरावयवाश्रयः सर्वायुर्धनसौभाग्यपरिमाणप्रकाशकः //

Transliteration

lakṣaṇaṃ daiviko hyaṅkaḥ śarīrāvayavāśrayaḥ sarvāyurdhanasaubhāgyaparimāṇaprakāśakaḥ //

Translation

An auspicious mark (lakṣaṇa) is indeed a divine sign, situated upon the limbs of the body; it reveals one’s full span of life, wealth, good fortune, and proper measure (proportion).

Word by Word

• lakṣaṇam: auspicious mark/characteristic sign

• daivikaḥ: divine, auspicious in origin

• hi: indeed

• aṅkaḥ: mark, sign, emblem/indication

• śarīra-avayava-āśrayaḥ: resting upon the body’s limbs/parts

• sarva-āyuḥ: complete lifespan

• dhana: wealth

• saubhāgya: good fortune, auspicious prosperity

• parimāṇa: measure, proportion, correct dimension

• prakāśakaḥ: that which illuminates/reveals/indicates

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lakshana
• Daivika Anka
• Sharira (body)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Auspicious Marks
• Measurements
• Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya directly; it focuses on daivika bodily signs used to judge auspiciousness, longevity, and proportion—topics aligned with iconography and applied sacred measurement.

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

It supports dharmic discernment: a king or householder may use traditional lakṣaṇa-knowledge to evaluate auspiciousness and fitness (e.g., in selecting priests, envoys, or assessing omens), emphasizing proportion and fortune as indicators of well-being.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The key term parimāṇa (proportion/measure) links to Vastu and iconometry: correct bodily proportions and auspicious marks guide the making/validation of sacred images (pratimā) and ritual standards in Puranic temple art.