Matsya Purana — Description of Atri’s Hermitage: Sacred Grove Planning, Shloka 30

Devanagari script

औषधीभिर्विचित्राभिर् दीप्यमानाभिरेव च आयुष्याभिर्यशस्याभिर् बल्याभिश्च नराधिप //

Transliteration

auṣadhībhirvicitrābhir dīpyamānābhireva ca āyuṣyābhiryaśasyābhir balyābhiśca narādhipa //

Translation

Ô roi, (qu’on l’orne) d’herbes médicinales diverses, aux formes variées, rayonnantes dans leur croissance—celles qui confèrent longévité, apportent renommée et fortifient la vigueur vitale.

Word by Word

• औषधीभिः (auṣadhībhiḥ): with medicinal herbs

• विचित्राभिः (vicitrābhiḥ): variegated, diverse

• दीप्यमानाभिः (dīpyamānābhiḥ): shining, flourishing, radiant

• एव च (eva ca): indeed and also

• आयुष्याभिः (āyuṣyābhiḥ): life-prolonging, conducive to longevity

• यशस्याभिः (yaśasyābhiḥ): fame-bestowing, reputation-enhancing

• बल्याभिः (balyābhiḥ): strength-giving, nourishing

• च (ca): and

• नराधिप (narādhipa): O ruler of men, O king.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu / a kingly interlocutor (narādhipa) in instructional mode

Entities Mentioned

• Naradhipa (King)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Sacred Groves
• Herbal Lore
• Ritual Landscaping
• Ayurvedic Plants

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it gives prescriptive guidance for auspicious, life-enhancing planting—emphasizing continuity of sacred order through herbs that sustain vitality and wellbeing.

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

It frames a king’s dharma as stewardship: establishing or maintaining spaces (gardens, groves, sacred precincts) enriched with beneficial herbs that promote public health, longevity, strength, and social prosperity (yaśas).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It supports Vastu-aligned sacred landscaping: the environs of a temple, tirtha, or settlement should be planted with specific auspicious, medicinal flora—selected for ayus (longevity), yaśas (renown), and bala (strength).