Matsya Purana — Design and Splendour of Tripura: Maya’s Threefold Moving Fortress, Shloka 16

Devanagari script

अशोकवनभूतानि कोकिलारुतवन्ति च चित्रशालाविशालानि चतुःशालोत्तमानि च //

Transliteration

aśokavanabhūtāni kokilārutavanti ca citraśālāviśālāni catuḥśālottamāni ca //

Translation

അവ അശോകവനങ്ങളാൽ സമൃദ്ധവും കുയിലുകളുടെ കൂജനാദം നിറഞ്ഞതുമാണ്; അവിടെ വിശാലവും ചിത്രാലങ്കൃതവുമായ ശാലകളും ഉത്തമമായ ചതുഃശാലാ വാസസ്ഥലങ്ങളും ഉണ്ട്।

Word by Word

• aśoka-vana-bhūtāni: situated in/formed as aśoka groves

• kokila-āruta-vanti: filled with the cuckoo’s calls

• ca: and

• citra-śālā-viśālāni: broad, ornamented/beautiful halls

• catuḥ-śālā-uttamāni: the best (uttama) four-hall/four-courtyard house-plans

• ca: and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Ashoka grove (Aśokavana)
• Cuckoo (Kokila)
• Chitrashala (Citraśālā)
• Chatushala (Catuḥśālā)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• House plans
• Town planning
• Residential architecture
• Pleasure-groves

FAQs

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

Nothing directly—this verse is architectural and aesthetic, focusing on ideal residences and landscaped groves rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

It supports the householder/royal duty of establishing well-planned, auspicious, and comfortable dwellings—emphasizing orderly design, beauty, and a harmonious environment.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It highlights Vastu ideals: spacious decorated halls (citraśālā) and the superior four-courtyard layout (catuḥśālā), along with auspicious landscaping (aśoka groves) that enhances the dwelling’s harmony.