Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — Cosmic Architecture of Sun–Moon and the ‘Houses of the Gods’

Devanagari script

मनुष्यानोषधीभिश्च स्वधया च पितॄनपि अमृतेन सुरान्सर्वान् संततं परितर्पयन् //

Transliteration

manuṣyānoṣadhībhiśca svadhayā ca pitṝnapi amṛtena surānsarvān saṃtataṃ paritarpayan //

Translation

He continually satisfies all: humans with medicinal herbs, the Pitṛs (ancestors) with the svadhā-offering, and all the gods with amṛta, the nectar of immortality, keeping them ever contented.

Word by Word

• manuṣyān: human beings

• oṣadhībhiḥ: with herbs/medicinal plants

• ca: and

• svadhayā: with svadhā (the ancestral oblation formula/offerings in śrāddha)

• pitṝn: the ancestors (Pitṛs)

• api: also

• amṛtena: with amṛta (nectar/immortalizing offering to the devas)

• surān: the gods/devas

• sarvān: all

• saṃtatam: continually, without interruption

• paritarpayan: fully satisfying/refreshing (by tarpana)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (context: ritual duties and offerings)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs
• Devas (Suras)
• Manuṣyas (humans)
• Oṣadhi (medicinal herbs)
• Svadhā
• Amṛta

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Tarpana
• Pitṛyajña
• Dharma
• Ritual offerings

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya directly; it emphasizes sustaining cosmic harmony in the present order by regularly “refreshing” humans, ancestors, and gods through appropriate offerings.

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

It summarizes dharmic maintenance: a householder (and by extension a king as patron of rites) supports society (humans), honors lineage (Pitṛs via svadhā/śrāddha), and upholds divine order (devas via offerings), ensuring continuous welfare through prescribed acts.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritual significance: it points to tarpana/offerings differentiated by recipient—oṣadhi for human well-being, svadhā for Pitṛ rites, and amṛta-like oblations for devas—highlighting the Matsya Purana’s structured ritual taxonomy rather than Vāstu rules.