Significance of Matsya Purana
Matsyapurana is an ancient and significant text within Hindu tradition, recognized for its comprehensive insights into architecture and temple constructions, as well as broader subjects like religion, philosophy, and history. It serves as an essential source for architectural styles, detailing temple designs, and offering guidelines on building practices. Esteemed as one of the eighteen Mahapuranas, it incorporates discussions on governance, rituals, and various traditions related to deities, establishing its encyclopedic importance in explaining Hindu civilization and various aspects of life.
In Dutch: Matsya Purana; In German: Matsya Purana; In Finnish: Matsya Purana; In Spanish: Matsya Purana
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Matsya Purana'
The Matsyapurana, an ancient Hindu text, serves as an encyclopedic source detailing various aspects of civilization, including genealogies, punishments, sacred rituals, architecture, and significant myths, particularly focusing on Vishnu's fish incarnation.
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Another text that agrees with the Markandeya Purana regarding the account of the verses it contains.[1] (2) The Matsya Purana is another Purana that offers a less detailed description of the Garuda Purana, implying a broader context of Hindu texts.[2] (3) A Purana that enumerates only four Upa-puranas and references the Devi Bhagavata for a more extensive list.[3] (4) A classical text that alludes to a classification of the Puranas, discussing their significance and organisation.[4] (5) The Matsya Purana also forecasts future events like the reign of dynasties and shares characteristics of both antiquity and later composition.[5]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) One of the eighteen Puranas, it is identified with the name 'ma' and contains fourteen thousand slokas.[6]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The text containing a full description of Banaras.[7]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) An ancient text utilized to reconstruct architectural guidelines related to Mandapas when the original text is corrupt.[8] (2) One of the early Puranas that provides significant accounts related to architecture.[9] (3) A Puranic text that describes Vishnu imparting the science of architecture to Manu.[10] (4) An ancient Indian text that is one of the sources discussing the preceptors of Vastushastra.[11] (5) Matsyapurana is regarded as an early Purana known for its important accounts on architecture.[12]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) A significant ancient text referred to in the chapter that includes descriptions of architectural styles and varieties of the Nagara temples.[13] (2) An ancient text that categorizes the 27 Mandapas based on the number of columns they possess, which can be as many as 64.[14]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Matsya-purana is noted for its comparative notes on conciliation and other expedients, serving as a historical and philosophical reference for strategies in governance.[15] (2) An ancient scripture mentioned that provides additional insights or alternate readings related to legal interpretations.[16] (3) A scripture that outlines punishments for mendicants entering the residences of women after being forbidden.[17] (4) A text that underscores the King's responsibility to maintain the firm adherence of all castes to their duties.[18] (5) A sacred text within the Purana genre, which contains details on various aspects of Hindu tradition, including rituals.[19]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A text that contains verses quoted to illustrate the significance of scriptures in different modes of nature.[20] (2) One of the eighteen Mahapuranas of Hindu literature, containing discussions on cosmology, mythology, and ritual practices.[21] (3) An ancient text that provides descriptions and classifications of sattva, emphasizing the totality of strength and knowledge.[22] (4) A sacred text where Lord Ananta is described, illustrating the inability of demigods like Brahma and Shiva to reach the end of His glories.[23] (5) Another ancient text that provides insights into various mythological themes and characters.[24]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) A Purana that provides comprehensive chapters focusing on architecture and sculpture, detailing ancient architects and building classifications.[25]
The concept of Matsya Purana in local and regional sources
Matsyapurana indicates that brahmanas living in mlecchha territories were typically excluded from sraddhas, reflecting regional beliefs and practices regarding the inclusion of certain communities in important religious rituals.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Matsyapurana is a text, and it is a source for the definition of day and night for the gods and ancestors.[26]