Shloka 54

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

Devanagari script

तथा च काञ्चनं देवं प्रतिगृह्णन्द्विजोत्तमः क इदं कस्मा अदादिति वैदिकं मन्त्रमीरयेत् //

Transliteration

tathā ca kāñcanaṃ devaṃ pratigṛhṇandvijottamaḥ ka idaṃ kasmā adāditi vaidikaṃ mantramīrayet //

Translation

Likewise, when the foremost of the twice-born (a Brahmin) accepts the golden deity-image, he should recite the Vedic mantra: “Who is this, and to whom has it been given?”

Word by Word

• tathā ca: likewise/and so

• kāñcanam: made of gold/golden

• devam: the deity (divine image)

• pratigṛhṇan: accepting/receiving

• dvija-uttamaḥ: the best among the twice-born (excellent Brahmin)

• kaḥ: who?

• idam: this

• kasmai: to whom?

• adāt: has given/gave

• iti: thus/so

• vaidikam: Vedic

• mantram: mantra/sacred formula

• īrayet: should utter/recite

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, as part of dharma-teaching)

Entities Mentioned

• Dvija (Brahmin)
• Vaidika Mantra
• Kāñcana Deva (golden deity-image)

Tags

• Dana
• Ritual Protocol
• Mantra
• Brahmin Duties
• Image Worship

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on dāna-dharma—proper ritual speech and purity when receiving a sacred donation.

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

It implies that donors (often householders or kings) should give icons and sacred gifts through correct Vedic procedure, while the Brahmin recipient must accept with prescribed mantras to ensure the gift is ritually valid and ethically clean.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it concerns the formal acceptance of a donated deity-image (especially gold), emphasizing mantra-recitation and proper handover protocol—key to consecration-linked gifting in temple and household worship contexts.