Shloka 128

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

तथा षोडशहस्तः स्यान् मण्डपश्च चतुर्मुखः पूर्वद्वारे च संस्थाप्य बह्वृचं वेदपारगम् //

Transliteration

tathā ṣoḍaśahastaḥ syān maṇḍapaśca caturmukhaḥ pūrvadvāre ca saṃsthāpya bahvṛcaṃ vedapāragam //

Translation

Demikian juga, maṇḍapa (balai upacara) hendaklah berukuran enam belas hasta dan berkepala empat (terbuka pada empat sisi). Di pintu gerbang timur, hendaklah ditempatkan seorang Bahvṛca—ahli Ṛgveda yang mahir dalam Veda.

Word by Word

• tathā: likewise

• ṣoḍaśa-hastaḥ: sixteen cubits (in measure)

• syāt: should be

• maṇḍapaḥ: pavilion/mandapa

• ca: and

• caturmukhaḥ: four-faced, open on four sides

• pūrva-dvāre: at the eastern gate/doorway

• ca: and

• saṃsthāpya: having installed/placed, one should station

• bahvṛcam: a Bahvṛca (Ṛgvedic reciter/priest)

• veda-pāragam: one who has mastered the Veda, a consummate Vedic scholar

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Bahvṛca
• Veda

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple Architecture
• Mandapa
• Ritual Procedure
• East Direction

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it gives Vastuvidya guidance on mandapa measurement and the ritual placement of a Vedic expert at the eastern entrance.

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

It frames dharmic duty as correct patronage and supervision of sacred construction and rites—ensuring proper dimensions, orientation, and qualified Vedic officiants for public or household-sponsored worship.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it prescribes a sixteen-cubit, four-sided mandapa; ritually, it instructs placing a Ṛgvedic specialist (Bahvṛca) at the east gate, highlighting the auspicious and primary status of the eastern entrance.