Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Conclusion of the Prayaga Mahatmya: Kingship Restored

Devanagari script

बहूपकरणा यज्ञा नानासम्भारविस्तराः प्राप्यन्ते पार्थिवैरेतैः समृद्धैर्वै नरैः क्वचित् //

Transliteration

bahūpakaraṇā yajñā nānāsambhāravistarāḥ prāpyante pārthivairetaiḥ samṛddhairvai naraiḥ kvacit //

Translation

Sacrifices (yajñas) that require many implements and an extensive array of materials are attainable only at times—and only by prosperous men among the kings of the earth.

Word by Word

बहु-उपकरणाःrequiring many implements

यज्ञाःsacrifices/ritual offerings

नाना-सम्भार-विस्तराःhaving a wide range of diverse requisites/materials

प्राप्यन्तेare obtained/are feasible/are accomplished

पार्थिवैःby earthly rulers/kings

एतैःby these (such) persons

समृद्धैःwealthy/prosperous

वैindeed/emphatic particle

नरैःmen/persons

क्वचित्sometimes/rarely

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a didactic passage on ritual capability and resources)

Entities Mentioned

Pārthiva (kings/earthly rulers)Yajña (Vedic sacrifice)

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on the practical rarity of performing large, resource-intensive yajñas, implying that such rites depend on worldly prosperity rather than cosmic events.

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

It frames major sacrifices as typically achievable by prosperous kings (and similarly wealthy householders), underscoring a dharma principle: one should undertake rites according to one’s means, since grand yajñas require extensive resources and organization.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is logistical: some yajñas demand many implements and a broad inventory of materials, so successful performance requires planning, procurement, and patronage—conditions more often met by affluent rulers.