Matsya Purana — Secondary Creation: Appointment of Cosmic Regents and Consecration of Directi..., Shloka 3

Devanagari script

नक्षत्रताराद्विजवृक्षगुल्मलतावितानस्य च रुक्मगर्भः अपामधीशं वरुणं धनानां राज्ञां प्रभुं वैश्रवणं च तद्वत् //

Transliteration

nakṣatratārādvijavṛkṣagulmalatāvitānasya ca rukmagarbhaḥ apāmadhīśaṃ varuṇaṃ dhanānāṃ rājñāṃ prabhuṃ vaiśravaṇaṃ ca tadvat //

Translation

Rukmagarbha dinyatakan sebagai penguasa penetap atas gugusan bintang dan rasi, atas kaum dwija, serta atas pepohonan, semak, sulur, dan naungan yang membentang. Varuṇa adalah penguasa segala perairan; dan demikian pula Vaiśravaṇa (Kubera) adalah raja atas kekayaan dan para raja.

Word by Word

• नक्षत्रतारा (nakṣatratārā): constellations and stars

• द्विज (dvija): the twice-born (Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya, Vaiśya)

• वृक्ष (vṛkṣa): trees

• गुल्म (gulma): shrubs/bushes

• लता (latā): creepers/vines

• वितान (vitāna): canopy, spreading bower

• -स्य (-sya): of/over

• च (ca): and

• रुक्मगर्भः (rukmagarbhaḥ): Rukmagarbha (a divine regent/presiding deity)

• अपाम् (apām): of waters

• अधीशम् (adhīśam): lord, overlord

• वरुणम् (varuṇam): Varuṇa

• धनानाम् (dhanānām): of wealth/treasures

• राज्ञाम् (rājñām): of kings

• प्रभुम् (prabhum): master, ruler

• वैश्रवणम् (vaiśravaṇam): Vaiśravaṇa/Kubera

• तद्वत् (tadvat): likewise, in the same way

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Rukmagarbha
• Varuna
• Vaishravana (Kubera)

Tags

• Cosmic governance
• Lokapalas
• Deities
• Waters
• Wealth and kingship

FAQs

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

It does not narrate Pralaya directly; it outlines cosmic administration—how specific deities preside over natural and social domains (stars, waters, wealth), implying an ordered universe that is re-established after dissolution.

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

By naming Kubera as lord over wealth and kings, the verse frames prosperity and rulership as sacred trusts under divine oversight—encouraging rulers and householders to acquire and distribute wealth ethically and to govern in alignment with dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not giving direct Vāstu rules, it supports ritual practice: waters (Varuṇa) and wealth/protection (Kubera) are commonly invoked in consecrations and offerings, aligning temple/house rites with the deity who presides over each domain.