Shloka 54

Matsya Purana — Bhīma-Dvādaśī

Devanagari script

अभावे बहुशय्यानाम् एकामपि सुसंस्कृताम् शय्यां दद्याद्द्विजातेश्च सर्वोपस्करसंयुताम् //

Transliteration

abhāve bahuśayyānām ekāmapi susaṃskṛtām śayyāṃ dadyāddvijāteśca sarvopaskarasaṃyutām //

Translation

If one cannot give many beds, one should at least donate a single well-prepared bed—fully furnished with all its accessories—to a twice-born (dvija) as well.

Word by Word

• abhāve: in the absence (of ability/means)

• bahu-śayyānām: of many beds

• ekām api: even one

• su-saṁskṛtām: well-made, properly prepared, refined

• śayyām: a bed, couch

• dadyāt: should give, should donate

• dvijāteḥ ca: and to a twice-born person (Brahmin/Kshatriya/Vaishya), especially a worthy recipient

• sarva-upaskara-saṁyutām: endowed with all accessories/equipment (bedding, coverings, pillows, etc.)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on dāna-dharma)

Entities Mentioned

• Dvija (twice-born)
• Dāna (charitable giving)

Tags

• Dana
• Householder Dharma
• Charity
• Merit (Punya)
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on dāna-dharma, teaching that even a modest gift (one properly furnished bed) is meritorious when given appropriately.

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

It frames practical charity: when resources are limited, a householder (or king supporting subjects and clergy) should still give a meaningful, complete gift—here, a usable bed with accessories—rather than an incomplete or token offering.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No vastu/temple-architecture rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is the principle of ‘complete donation’—the śayyā should be given with all necessary upaskaras so the recipient can actually use it.