Shloka 38

Prāsāda-Lakṣaṇa: Temple Proportions, Śikhara Ratios, Liṅga–Pīṭha Measures, and Auspicious Ground-Plans

Devanagari script

परिमाणविरोधेन रेखावैषम्यभूषिता / आधारस्तु चतुर्धारश्चतुर्मण्डपशोभितः

Transliteration

parimāṇavirodhena rekhāvaiṣamyabhūṣitā / ādhārastu caturdhāraścaturmaṇḍapaśobhitaḥ

Translation

寸法の不調和によって生じる不揃いの線を飾りとして備え、その基壇は四本の柱により支えられ、さらに四つのマンダパによって美しく荘厳される。

Word by Word

• परिमाणविरोधेन: by/with contradiction of proportion
• परिमाणविरोधेन: Karana (Instrument/Cause/करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: परिमाण + विरोध (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (3rd/Instrumental), एकवचन; षष्ठी-तत्पुरुषः (परिमाणस्य विरोधः)

• रेखावैषम्यभूषिता: adorned with irregularity of lines
• रेखावैषम्यभूषिता: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: रेखा + वैषम्य + भूषित (प्रातिपदिक/कृदन्त)
• Form: भूतकर्मणि कृदन्त (PPP) 'भूषित', स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन; समासः (रेखा-वैषम्य-भूषिता)

• आधारः: base, support
• आधारः: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: आधार (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन

• तु: but, indeed
• तु: Sambandha (Discourse particle/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: तु (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय; विरोध/विशेषार्थक-निपातः (particle)

• चतुर्धारः: having four streams/lines/supports
• चतुर्धारः: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: चतुर् + धार (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन; द्विगु-समासः (चतस्रः धाराः यस्य)

• चतुर्मण्डपशोभितः: adorned with four pavilions
• चतुर्मण्डपशोभितः: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: चतुर् + मण्डप + शोभित (प्रातिपदिक/कृदन्त)
• Form: भूतकर्मणि कृदन्त (PPP) 'शोभित', पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन; समासः (चतुर्-मण्डप-शोभितः = चतुर्भिः मण्डपैः शोभितः)

Speaker

Lord Viṣṇu (speaking to Garuḍa)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Even when line-irregularities arise from measurement mismatch, the design is redeemed by a stable fourfold support and balanced pavilion arrangement.

Vedantic Theme: Order re-established: from vyavahāric imperfection to harmonizing structure; dharma as corrective alignment.

Application: If minor proportional irregularities occur, prioritize structural clarity: robust base, symmetric supports, and balanced sub-structures; use visual rhythm to integrate imperfections.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: adbhuta

Secondary Rasa: shanta

Geographic Context

Type: architectural foundation and pavilion complex

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.47.35 (pramāṇa discipline); Garuda Purana 1.47.37 (ornate multi-level elements)

FAQs

What is the importance of proportion (parimāṇa) in Garuda Purana descriptions?

This verse highlights that mismatched measurements create visible irregularities in the structure’s lines, implying that correct proportion is essential for an auspicious and aesthetically coherent sacred space.

How does this verse relate to the Garuda Purana’s broader guidance on dharma and ritual practice?

By describing a properly supported and arranged ritual/temple space (four supports and four pavilions), the verse ties external order in sacred architecture to disciplined, dharmic performance of rites.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Whether building a shrine or arranging a ritual area, maintain symmetry, stable supports, and clear layout—order and proportion help sustain focus, reverence, and correct observance.