Matsya Purana — Description of Atri’s Hermitage: Sacred Grove Planning, Shloka 42

Devanagari script

जलजैः स्थलजैर्मूलैः फलैः पुष्पैर्विशेषतः विविधैश्चैव नीवारैर् मुनिभोज्यैर्नराधिप //

Transliteration

jalajaiḥ sthalajairmūlaiḥ phalaiḥ puṣpairviśeṣataḥ vividhaiścaiva nīvārair munibhojyairnarādhipa //

Translation

Ô roi, (il convient de subsister) de racines qui croissent dans l’eau et sur la terre, de fruits et, tout particulièrement, de fleurs, ainsi que de diverses sortes de grains sauvages (nīvāra) propres à la nourriture des munis.

Word by Word

• जलजैः: water-born (aquatic) [plants/roots]

• स्थलजैः: land-born (terrestrial) [plants/roots]

• मूलैः: with roots/tubers

• फलैः: with fruits

• पुष्पैः: with flowers

• विशेषतः: especially/particularly

• विविधैः: various kinds

• च एव: and indeed/also

• नीवारैः: with nīvāra (wild rice/wild grains)

• मुनिभोज्यैः: fit to be eaten by sages/ascetics

• नराधिप: O lord of men, O king

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (addressed as narādhipa, 'O king')

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu

Tags

• Dharma
• Vrata
• Ahimsa
• Forest-produce
• Ascetic life

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it focuses on dharma-based sustenance—foods considered pure and non-injurious, suitable for ascetic or vrata practice.

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

By addressing the listener as 'O king,' the text frames royal responsibility to uphold dharma: knowing and endorsing pure foods (forest produce like roots, fruits, flowers, and nīvāra) that support sages and disciplined living, especially during vows and austerities.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is dietary: nīvāra and forest produce are highlighted as sage-approved offerings/foods commonly associated with vratas and austere rites, emphasizing purity and minimal harm rather than any Vastu or temple-building rule.