Significance of Matsyapurana
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: Matsyapurana; In Finnish: Matsyapurana; In Spanish: Matsyapurana
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Matsyapurana'
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: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) An ancient text in which Shiva is prominently featured as the first lord of the gods and the supreme deity.[1] (2) An ancient text that discusses various sacred rituals including the sixteen mahadanas.[2] (3) A specific Purana that discusses various myths and legends, highlighting their value and narrative structure.[3] (4) An ancient text that inaccurately claimed the Shunga dynasty reigned for 300 years.[4] (5) The Matsyapurana is one of the Puranas that discusses the trinity of gods and their cosmic functions, highlighting their manifestations and significance.[5]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A text that discusses genealogies and the worship of fathers, contributing to understanding the shraddha tradition.[6] (2) Another ancient text that discusses the drinks, including those made from the plaksha tree in Kimpurushavarsha.[7] (3) The term prajapati is also found in the Matsyapurana.[8] (4) A Purana that discusses the worship of various gods, including Surya, emphasizing their unity.[9] (5) Another Purana that acknowledges the contribution of Vyasa in composing all the Puranas.[10]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) Another sacred text that also mentions the sarvatobhadra type of temple, suggesting it should feature multiple shikharas.[11] (2) A purana that contains chapters with stories that have been borrowed from the Vishnudharmottarapurana.[12] (3) A work of Puranic literature that contains chapters dedicated to temple building.[13] (4) A Puranic text attributing ten chapters to the study of Iconography, indicating its importance in the depiction of deities.[14] (5) An ancient text that also offers insights into the architectural aspects of Hindu temples.[15]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An ancient scripture mentioned that provides additional insights or alternate readings related to legal interpretations.[16] (2) A scripture that outlines punishments for mendicants entering the residences of women after being forbidden.[17] (3) A text that underscores the King's responsibility to maintain the firm adherence of all castes to their duties.[18]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) A scripture that identifies dana as one of the best means of attaining both lokas (worlds).[19] (2) A Purana that aligns with other texts in discussing the meanings and definitions of dharma.[20]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) Another ancient text mentioning the story of Candragupta but with slight variations from other accounts.[21]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Matsyapurana is regarded as an early Purana known for its important accounts on architecture.[22] (2) A significant ancient text that contains information regarding architectural styles and temple constructions in Hindu tradition.[23] (3) A text that mentions Maya as one of the eighteen professors of Architecture.[24]
From: Annadatri-carita (study)
(1) An ancient Purana discussing the essential nature of food donation for luxury and societal well-being.[25]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) Another ancient text that highlights the affinity of gods and goddesses for floral environments.[26]
The concept of Matsyapurana 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: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) States that brahmanas residing in mlecchha countries were commonly not invited to sraddhas.[27]
The concept of Matsyapurana in scientific sources
Matsyapurana is an ancient Indian text rich in mythological narratives, particularly detailing Bhagawan Narayana's significant role in creation and dissolution, emphasizing its importance in religious and cultural contexts within regional sources.
From: Ancient Science of Life
(1) An ancient Indian text that contains mythological narratives, particularly one involving Bhagawan Narayana and his role in creation and dissolution.[28]