Matsya Purana — Description of the Daitya–Dānava War Preparations and Maya’s Divine Chariots, Shloka 2

Devanagari script

मयस्तु काञ्चनमयं त्रिनल्वायतमक्षयम् चतुश्चक्रं सुविपुलं सुकल्पितमहायुगम् //

Transliteration

mayastu kāñcanamayaṃ trinalvāyatamakṣayam catuścakraṃ suvipulaṃ sukalpitamahāyugam //

Translation

Namun Maya membuat sebuah bangunan/kereta yang tak binasa dari emas—panjangnya tiga nalva, sangat luas, beroda empat, dan dirancang dengan sempurna agar bertahan sepanjang satu mahāyuga.

Word by Word

• mayaḥ: Maya (the celestial architect/demon artisan)

• tu: but/indeed

• kāñcanamayam: made of gold

• tri-nalva-āyatam: extending to a length of three nalvas (a traditional measure)

• akṣayam: imperishable, undecaying

• catuḥ-cakram: four-wheeled

• su-vipulam: very large, very spacious

• su-kalpita: well-constructed, excellently designed

• mahā-yugam: for a great age/aeon, enduring through a mahāyuga

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s account; describing Maya’s construction as part of the dialogue tradition centered on Matsya’s teachings to Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Maya

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Iconography
• Divine Architecture
• Vimana/Ratha
• Measurements

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; instead it emphasizes “akṣaya” (imperishable) construction—suggesting a divine standard of durability meant to last across vast cosmic timescales (mahāyuga).

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

By highlighting precise measurement and sound construction (sukalpita), it supports the Matsya Purana’s broader ethic that rulers and householders should sponsor well-planned, enduring public works—built with correct proportions and expert craftsmanship.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It encodes Vastu-style ideals: correct dimensional specification (tri-nalva-āyatam), structural excellence (sukalpita), and longevity (akṣaya). The “four-wheeled” detail points to a ritually and symbolically complete vehicle/structure (ratha/vimāna) designed by an expert architect (Maya).