Matsya Purana — Iconographic Standards for the Navagrahas, Shloka 2

Devanagari script

श्वेतः श्वेताम्बरधरः श्वेताश्वः श्वेतवाहनः गदापाणिर्द्विबाहुश्च कर्तव्यो वरदः शशी //

Transliteration

śvetaḥ śvetāmbaradharaḥ śvetāśvaḥ śvetavāhanaḥ gadāpāṇirdvibāhuśca kartavyo varadaḥ śaśī //

Translation

శశి (చంద్రదేవుడు) వరదరూపంగా శ్వేతవర్ణుడై, శ్వేతాంబరధారిగా, శ్వేత అశ్వసంబంధుడై శ్వేత వాహనంతో; చేతిలో గదా ధరించి, ద్విబాహువుగా నిర్మించవలెను।

Word by Word

• śvetaḥ: white, fair-complexioned

• śveta-ambara-dharaḥ: wearing white garments

• śveta-aśvaḥ: having/connected with a white horse

• śveta-vāhanaḥ: having a white vehicle/mount

• gadā-pāṇiḥ: mace-in-hand

• dvi-bāhuḥ: two-armed

• ca: and

• kartavyaḥ: should be made/depicted (in an image)

• varadaḥ: giver of boons

• śaśī: the moon / moon-like (radiant).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu on iconographic specifications

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Gadā (mace)
• Śaśī (the Moon)

Tags

• Iconography
• Pratima Lakshana
• Vastu Shastra
• Deity Attributes
• Temple Ritual

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it gives pratima-lakṣaṇa (iconographic) instructions—how a deity’s form should be crafted, emphasizing whiteness, a mace, and a boon-giving posture.

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

Indirectly, it guides patrons (kings/householders) in commissioning correct temple images: ensuring scripturally compliant iconography is part of righteous patronage (dharma) and proper ritual support.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies the visual and ritual identifiers for a consecrated image—color scheme (white), vehicle/mount (white), weapons (mace), arm-count (two), and gesture/role (boon-giver)—all crucial for valid installation and worship in temple practice.