Matsya Purana — Iconographic Standards for the Navagrahas, Shloka 6

Devanagari script

इन्द्रनीलद्युतिः शूली वरदो गृध्रवाहनः बाणबाणासनधरः कर्तव्यो ऽर्कसुतस् तथा //

Transliteration

indranīladyutiḥ śūlī varado gṛdhravāhanaḥ bāṇabāṇāsanadharaḥ kartavyo 'rkasutas tathā //

Translation

De même, Śani, fils d’Arka (le Soleil), doit être façonné avec l’éclat du saphir, portant une lance, dispensant des grâces, monté sur un vautour, et tenant des flèches ainsi qu’un arc.

Word by Word

• इन्द्रनील-द्युतिः: of sapphire-like radiance

• शूली: spear/trident-bearer (one who holds a śūla)

• वरदः: boon-giver

• गृध्र-वाहनः: whose vehicle is a vulture

• बाण: arrow

• बाणासन-धरः: holder of a bow (lit. bow-weapon)

• कर्तव्यः: should be made/constructed (as an image)

• अर्क-सुतः: the son of Arka (Sun), i.e., Śani

• तथा: likewise/also.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on iconographic rules)

Entities Mentioned

• Arkasuta (Śani)
• Arka (Surya)
• Gṛdhra (vulture)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Navagraha
• Temple Ritual
• Matsya Purana Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it gives iconographic specifications for crafting the image of Śani (the Sun’s son) for worship.

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

It supports the dharma of proper worship and public religiosity: kings and householders are instructed to commission and install correctly formed deity/planetary images to maintain auspicious order and ritual propriety.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It is a pratimā-lakṣaṇa guideline: Śani’s murti should be sapphire-hued and shown with specific attributes (śūla, bow and arrows) and a vulture mount—details used for temple installation, navagraha shrines, and consecration rites.