Shloka 7

Matsya Purana — The Sun-Vow

Devanagari script

भगं तु नैरृते देवं वरुणं पश्चिमे दले महेन्द्रमनिले तद्वद् आदित्यं च तथोत्तरे //

Transliteration

bhagaṃ tu nairṛte devaṃ varuṇaṃ paścime dale mahendramanile tadvad ādityaṃ ca tathottare //

Translation

Bhaga is to be placed in the south-west; Varuṇa on the western petal; likewise Mahendra in the windy quarter (north-west), and similarly Āditya in the northern quarter.

Word by Word

• bhagam: Bhaga (a solar deity of fortune and allotment)

• tu: indeed/and

• nairṛte: in the south-west direction

• devam: the deity

• varuṇam: Varuṇa (lord of waters, guardian of the west)

• paścime: in the west

• dale: in the petal/sector (of the mandala)

• mahendram: Mahendra (Indra, lord of the gods)

• anile: in the direction associated with wind (Vāyu’s quarter)

• tadvad: in the same manner/likewise

• ādityam: Āditya (the Sun)

• ca: and

• tathā uttare: so also in the north/northern quarter.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhaga
• Varuna
• Mahendra (Indra)
• Aditya (Surya)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Vastu Mandala
• Directional Deities
• Temple Architecture
• Ritual Placement

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it gives Vastu-mandala instructions—how specific deities are assigned to directional sectors for sacred architecture and ritual layout.

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

For kings and householders commissioning towns, palaces, or temples, correct directional placement of deities is presented as a dharmic duty to ensure auspiciousness, order, and protection within the built space.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies the devatā-vinyāsa (zoning of deities) in the Vastu mandala—placing Bhaga, Varuṇa, Mahendra, and Āditya in their prescribed directions, a key rule for temple planning and consecration rituals.