Shloka 42

Matsya Purana — Code of Conduct and Vow-Procedure for Courtesans

Devanagari script

तत आहूय धर्मज्ञं ब्रह्माणं वेदपारगम् अव्यङ्गावयवं पूज्य गन्धपुष्पार्चनादिभिः //

Transliteration

tata āhūya dharmajñaṃ brahmāṇaṃ vedapāragam avyaṅgāvayavaṃ pūjya gandhapuṣpārcanādibhiḥ //

Translation

Then, having summoned Brahmā—the knower of dharma, one who has crossed to the far shore of the Vedas—(the worshipper) should honour that venerable one of flawless limbs with offerings such as fragrant substances, flowers, and acts of worship like arcanā.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then/thereupon

• āhūya: having called/summoned

• dharma-jñam: knower of dharma

• brahmāṇam: Brahmā (the Creator)

• veda-pāragam: one who has mastered the Vedas (lit. gone to the far shore of the Vedas)

• avyaṅga-avayavam: having unimpaired, flawless limbs (free from deformity)

• pūjya: having worshipped/one should worship

• gandha: fragrances/sandal paste/perfumed substances

• puṣpa: flowers

• arcana-ādibhiḥ: with worship (arcana) and related offerings/rites.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a prescriptive ritual context)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmā

Tags

• Dharma
• Puja
• Ritual
• Vedic learning
• Purana injunctions

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing pralaya; it gives a ritual instruction—summon and worship Brahmā with fragrances, flowers, and arcana—highlighting dharma-based worship rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

It frames a dharmic duty: honoring revered divine authorities (here, Brahmā) through proper pūjā using standard offerings (gandha, puṣpa, arcana), a model of disciplined household/royal religious conduct in the Matsya Purana.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the prescribed pūjā-upacāras—fragrance and flowers as core offerings—implying formal arcana protocol (a standard temple/household worship sequence), though no specific Vāstu or temple-construction rule is stated in this verse.