Shloka 43

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

Devanagari script

शालेयतण्डुलप्रस्थं घृतपात्रेण संयुतम् तस्मै विप्राय सा दद्यान् माधवः प्रीयतामिति //

Transliteration

śāleyataṇḍulaprasthaṃ ghṛtapātreṇa saṃyutam tasmai viprāya sā dadyān mādhavaḥ prīyatāmiti //

Translation

She should give to that brāhmaṇa one prastha measure of śāleyā rice, together with a vessel of ghee, saying, “May Mādhava (Viṣṇu) be pleased.”

Word by Word

• शालेय (śāleya): fine rice (śāli variety)

• तण्डुल (taṇḍula): husked rice grains

• प्रस्थम् (prastham): a prastha measure (traditional dry measure)

• घृत (ghṛta): clarified butter (ghee)

• पात्रेण (pātreṇa): with a vessel/container

• संयुतम् (saṃyutam): joined with, accompanied by

• तस्मै (tasmai): to him

• विप्राय (viprāya): to a brāhmaṇa

• सा (sā): she (the observing woman/householder)

• दद्यात् (dadyāt): should give

• माधवः (mādhavaḥ): Mādhava, Viṣṇu

• प्रीयताम् (prīyatām): may (he) be pleased

• इति (iti): thus (saying).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, describing household/vow procedures)

Entities Mentioned

• Mādhava (Vishnu)
• Vipra (Brāhmaṇa)

Tags

• Dāna
• Vaiṣṇava
• Vrata
• Householder Dharma
• Ritual Offering

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on dharma through dāna—making a devotional gift while invoking Mādhava’s satisfaction.

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

It prescribes a householder-style act of merit: donating staple food (rice) and sanctifying fat (ghee) to a brāhmaṇa with a Vaiṣṇava intent, showing that dharma is fulfilled through disciplined, devotional charity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is the specific dāna-item and mantra-like intention: a measured quantity (prastha) of rice plus a ghee vessel, offered with the formula “Mādhavaḥ prīyatām,” indicating Vaiṣṇava framing of charity within vow/rite observance.