Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Iconographic Standards for the Navagrahas

Devanagari script

पीतमाल्याम्बरधरः कर्णिकारसमद्युतिः खड्गचर्मगदापाणिः सिंहस्थो वरदो बुधः //

Transliteration

pītamālyāmbaradharaḥ karṇikārasamadyutiḥ khaḍgacarmagadāpāṇiḥ siṃhastho varado budhaḥ //

Translation

其佩黄花鬘、着黄衣，光耀如金英花（karṇikāra）。手持剑、盾与钺槌；安坐狮座，智者布陀（Budha）施愿赐福。

Word by Word

• pīta: yellow

• mālyā: garland

• ambara: garment/raiment

• dharaḥ: bearer/wearer

• karṇikāra: the karṇikāra flower

• sama-dyutiḥ: of समान (equal) radiance, shining like

• khaḍga: sword

• carma: hide/leather, shield

• gadā: mace/club

• pāṇiḥ: hand (having in the hand)

• siṃhasthaḥ: seated/standing on a lion

• varadaḥ: boon-giver

• budhaḥ: wise, intelligent (also a title meaning “the enlightened one”).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching iconographic canons to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Lion (Siṃha)
• Karṇikāra flower

Tags

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

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it belongs to the iconography section, specifying how a boon-bestowing deity should be depicted—color, radiance, weapons, and vāhana (lion).

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

Indirectly, it guides kings and householders who commission temples or images: correct iconographic features (weapons, posture, mount, auspicious colors) are part of dharmic patronage and proper worship practice described in the Matsya Purana.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It provides pratimā-lakṣaṇa (image-specification) used by sthapatis and priests: the yellow attire/garland, lion-seat, and the set of weapons are ritual-visual markers ensuring the image is made and installed according to śāstric norms.