Shloka 50

Matsya Purana — Bhīma-Dvādaśī

Devanagari script

कृत्वा वै ब्राह्मणान् सर्वान् अन्नैर्नानाविधैस्तथा भुक्त्वा चाक्षारलवणम् आत्मना च विसर्जयेत् //

Transliteration

kṛtvā vai brāhmaṇān sarvān annairnānāvidhaistathā bhuktvā cākṣāralavaṇam ātmanā ca visarjayet //

Translation

After duly feeding all the brāhmaṇas with various kinds of foods, and having himself eaten alkaline salt as well, he should then dismiss them respectfully.

Word by Word

• कृत्वा: having done (having performed)

• वै: indeed

• ब्राह्मणान्: brāhmaṇas

• सर्वान्: all

• अन्नैः: with foods

• नानाविधैः: of many kinds/varieties

• तथा: and so/likewise

• भुक्त्वा: having eaten

• च: and

• अक्षार-लवणम्: alkaline salt (kṣāra and salt

• आत्मना: by oneself/personally

• च: and

• विसर्जयेत्: should dismiss/let depart (formally conclude).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, typical adhyaya dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Brāhmaṇas

Tags

• Dharma
• Ritual
• Dāna
• Householder duties
• Purification

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on dharmic ritual conduct—feeding brāhmaṇas, a small act of self-observance, and formally concluding the rite by respectfully dismissing them.

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

It reflects the householder/royal duty of hospitality and dāna: provide varied, proper food to brāhmaṇas, observe a prescribed personal dietary/purificatory act, and complete the ceremony with formal visarga (dismissal), emphasizing orderly, respectful ritual completion.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual (not architectural): it outlines a sequence—brāhmaṇa-bhojana (feeding), the performer’s own consumption of kṣāra-lavaṇa (alkaline salt as a purificatory/rite-linked item), and visarjana (formal dismissal), indicating proper closure of a religious observance.