Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — Eclipse-Time Planetary Bath

Devanagari script

चन्द्रोपरागं सम्प्राप्य कृत्वा ब्राह्मणवाचनम् सम्पूज्य चतुरो विप्राञ् शुक्लमाल्यानुलेपनैः //

Transliteration

candroparāgaṃ samprāpya kṛtvā brāhmaṇavācanam sampūjya caturo viprāñ śuklamālyānulepanaiḥ //

Translation

When the lunar eclipse has begun, having arranged for Brahmins to recite the sacred texts, one should duly honor four Brahmins with white garlands and white fragrant unguents.

Word by Word

• चन्द्रोपरागम्: lunar eclipse

• सम्प्राप्य: having reached/once it occurs

• कृत्वा: having done/arranged

• ब्राह्मण-वाचनम्: Brahmin recitation (Vedic/śāstric chanting)

• सम्पूज्य: having worshipped/honored

• चतुरः: four

• विप्रान्: Brahmins

• शुक्ल-माल्य-अनुलेपनैः: with white garlands and white anointments/unguents

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, in the eclipse-rite section)

Entities Mentioned

• Chandra (Moon)
• Brahmanas (Vipras)

Tags

• Grahana
• Vrata
• Dana
• Brahmana-puja
• Ritual purity

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it prescribes a grahaṇa (lunar eclipse) rite focused on sacred recitation and honoring Brahmins.

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

It frames eclipse-time conduct as a dharmic duty: sponsor brāhmaṇa-recitation and perform regulated hospitality/pujā, reflecting the householder’s (and king’s) role in sustaining ritual order through dāna and reverence to learned Brahmins.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritual significance: during candropārāga one should arrange brāhmaṇavācana and honor four vipras using śukla (white) offerings—white garlands and white unguents—signaling purity and auspicious observance in eclipse rites.