Shloka 49

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

Devanagari script

सपत्नीकमलंकृत्य हेमसूत्राङ्गुलीयकैः सूक्ष्मवस्त्रैः सकटकैर् धूपमाल्यानुलेपनैः //

Transliteration

sapatnīkamalaṃkṛtya hemasūtrāṅgulīyakaiḥ sūkṣmavastraiḥ sakaṭakair dhūpamālyānulepanaiḥ //

Translation

Having adorned the deity together with the consort with golden threads and finger-rings, with fine garments and ornaments, and with incense, garlands, and fragrant unguents, one should proceed with the worship.

Word by Word

• sa-patnīkam: along with the consort

• alaṃkṛtya: having adorned/decorated

• hema: gold

• sūtra: thread/cord

• aṅgulīyakaḥ: finger-ring(s)

• sūkṣma-vastraiḥ: with fine/soft garments

• sakaṭakaiḥ: with ornaments/jewellery (likely decorative accessories)

• dhūpa: incense

• mālya: garlands

• anulepanaiḥ: with fragrant unguents/pastes (sandal etc.)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, describing proper worship procedure)

Entities Mentioned

• Consort (patnī) of the deity
• Deity icon (implicitly)

Tags

• Puja
• Iconography
• Ritual Offerings
• Temple Worship
• Upacharas

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on worship protocol—specifically adorning the deity (and the deity’s consort) with garments, jewelry, incense, garlands, and fragrant pastes.

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

It frames a householder/kingly duty as sustaining dharma through proper deity worship—offering respectful adornment and auspicious materials as part of disciplined daily or festival puja.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it enumerates standard upacāras (services) in temple/home worship—clothing, ornaments, incense, garlanding, and anointing—guiding how icons are to be honored in a consecrated space.