Shloka 42

Matsya Purana — Bhīma-Dvādaśī

Devanagari script

जलकुम्भान्महावीर्य स्थापयित्वा त्रयोदश भक्ष्यैर्नानाविधैर्युक्तान् सितवस्त्रैरलंकृतान् //

Transliteration

jalakumbhānmahāvīrya sthāpayitvā trayodaśa bhakṣyairnānāvidhairyuktān sitavastrairalaṃkṛtān //

Translation

O mighty one, having set up thirteen water-jars, he should arrange them with various kinds of food-offerings and adorn them with white cloths.

Word by Word

• jala-kumbhān: water-jars/ritual pitchers

• mahā-vīrya: O mighty/valiant one (vocative address)

• sthāpayitvā: having installed/placed

• trayodaśa: thirteen

• bhakṣyaiḥ: with foods/eatables (offerings)

• nānā-vidhaiḥ: of many kinds/varieties

• yuktān: furnished/supplied/arranged

• sita-vastraiḥ: with white cloths/garments

• alaṃkṛtān: adorned/decorated

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• jala-kumbha (ritual water jar)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Ritual Procedure
• Consecration
• Offerings
• Temple Ritual

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it gives a practical ritual instruction—installing auspicious water-jars (kumbhas) as part of consecration-style procedures.

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

It reflects dharmic duty in maintaining correct rites: a king or householder is advised to perform orderly, pure installations—using prescribed numbers, proper offerings, and clean adornment—to support communal and domestic auspiciousness.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It points to kumbha-sthāpana (ritual placement of water-pots) and their decoration with white cloth and varied food offerings—typical of temple/altar consecration contexts within Matsya Purana’s Vastu-ritual framework.