Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Ekoddiṣṭa Śrāddha

Devanagari script

वृषोत्सर्गं प्रकुर्वीत देया च कपिला शुभा उदकुम्भश्च दातव्यो भक्ष्यभोज्यसमन्वितः //

Transliteration

vṛṣotsargaṃ prakurvīta deyā ca kapilā śubhā udakumbhaśca dātavyo bhakṣyabhojyasamanvitaḥ //

Translation

One should perform the rite of vṛṣotsarga, the releasing of a bull. One should also give in charity an auspicious tawny cow (kapilā), and donate a water-pot as well, accompanied by provisions of food and refreshments.

Word by Word

• वृषोत्सर्गम् (vṛṣotsargam): the ceremonial release/donation of a bull

• प्रकुर्वीत (prakurvīta): should perform/undertake

• देया (deyā): should be given (as a gift)

• च (ca): and

• कपिला (kapilā): tawny, brown (a cow of the kapilā type)

• शुभा (śubhā): auspicious, excellent

• उदकुम्भः (udakumbhaḥ): water-jar, water-pot

• च (ca): and

• दातव्यः (dātavyaḥ): should be donated

• भक्ष्यभोज्यसमन्वितः (bhakṣya-bhojya-samanvitaḥ): accompanied with eatables and prepared foods/refreshments

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Kapila cow
• Vṛṣotsarga

Tags

• Dāna
• Gṛhastha-dharma
• Ritual
• Merit (Puṇya)
• Charity

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it focuses on dharma through merit-producing gifts (dāna), especially vṛṣotsarga and related donations.

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

It outlines gṛhastha/royal dharma: supporting society through sanctioned charities—donating cattle, ensuring access to water (udakumbha), and providing food—acts praised as puṇya in the Matsya Purāṇa.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes vṛṣotsarga and the gifting of a water-pot with food provisions; the udakumbha underscores public welfare and hospitality rather than temple architecture.