Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Ekoddiṣṭa Śrāddha

Devanagari script

एकं पवित्रमेको ऽर्घ एकः पिण्डो विधीयते उपतिष्ठतामित्येतद् देयं पश्चात्तिलोदकम् //

Transliteration

ekaṃ pavitrameko 'rgha ekaḥ piṇḍo vidhīyate upatiṣṭhatāmityetad deyaṃ paścāttilodakam //

Translation

One sanctifying ring of kuśa-grass is used; one argha-offering is presented; and one piṇḍa (rice-ball) is prescribed. Saying, “May they be present (here),” one should then offer sesame-water (tilodaka) afterward.

Word by Word

• ekam: one (single)

• pavitram: purifier, the kuśa-grass ring used in rites

• ekaḥ: one

• arghaḥ: argha, respectful offering (water/oblation) to invite and honor

• piṇḍaḥ: piṇḍa, rice-ball offering to ancestors

• vidhīyate: is prescribed/should be performed

• upatiṣṭhatām: “let them stand near / let them be present” (invocation to Pitṛs)

• iti: thus

• etat: this

• deyam: should be given/offered

• paścāt: afterward

• tila-udakam: sesame-water (water mixed with sesame) offered in Śrāddha

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the prescribed Śrāddha-vidhi as taught in the Matsya Purāṇa tradition)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs (ancestors)
• Kuśa (as pavitra)
• Argha
• Piṇḍa
• Tilodaka (sesame-water)

Tags

• Shraddha
• Pitrs
• Ritual procedure
• Pinda
• Tilodaka

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on Śrāddha ritual sequencing—inviting the Pitṛs, offering argha and a piṇḍa, and then giving tilodaka.

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

It reflects the gṛhastha’s dharma of honoring ancestors through correctly ordered offerings. In Purāṇic ethics, such Śrāddha supports familial continuity, gratitude (ṛṇa to ancestors), and social-religious stability that kings are also expected to uphold.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritual significance: it specifies minimal, orderly components of Śrāddha—one pavitra (kuśa ring), one argha, one piṇḍa, the spoken invitation “upatiṣṭhatām,” and the concluding tilodaka—highlighting precision and sequence in rite-performance.