Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — Eclipse-Time Planetary Bath

Devanagari script

अनेन विधिना यस्तु ग्रहस्नानं समाचरेत् न तस्य ग्रहपीडा स्यान् न च बन्धुजनक्षयः //

Transliteration

anena vidhinā yastu grahasnānaṃ samācaret na tasya grahapīḍā syān na ca bandhujanakṣayaḥ //

Translation

Whoever performs the prescribed ‘planetary bath’ (graha-snāna) in this manner will not suffer affliction from the planets, nor will there be loss or destruction among his kinsmen.

Word by Word

• anena: by this

• vidhinā: method/rite

• yaḥ tu: whoever indeed

• graha-snānam: bath/ablution performed for the Grahas (planets)

• samācaret: should perform/undertake properly

• na: not

• tasya: of him

• graha-pīḍā: planetary affliction/astrological torment

• syāt: would be

• na ca: and not

• bandhu-jana-kṣayaḥ: decline/destruction of relatives and kin.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Grahas (planets)

Tags

• Grahashanti
• Snana
• Ritual
• Householder Dharma
• Protection

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it teaches a practical ritual remedy (graha-snāna) aimed at preventing planetary affliction and safeguarding one’s family.

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

It supports the householder/kingly duty of maintaining well-being and social stability through prescribed rites—here, performing graha-snāna as a dharmic measure to avert misfortune and protect relatives.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: a specific, rule-bound bathing observance (graha-snāna) is presented as an effective graha-śānti practice to reduce graha-pīḍā and prevent bandhu-jana-kṣaya.