Shloka 19

Matsya Purana — Ekoddiṣṭa Śrāddha

Devanagari script

तद्वत्संकल्प्य चतुरः पिण्डान्पिण्डप्रदस्तथा ये समाना इति द्वाभ्याम् अन्त्यं तु विभजेत्त्रिधा //

Transliteration

tadvatsaṃkalpya caturaḥ piṇḍānpiṇḍapradastathā ye samānā iti dvābhyām antyaṃ tu vibhajettridhā //

Translation

In the same manner, having made the saṅkalpa (ritual resolve), the giver of the piṇḍas should prepare four rice-balls; then, with the two utterances beginning “ye samānāḥ…”, he should divide the last piṇḍa into three parts.

Word by Word

• tadvat: in the same way

• saṅkalpya: having resolved/uttered the saṅkalpa

• caturaḥ: four

• piṇḍān: piṇḍas (rice-balls offered in śrāddha)

• piṇḍa-pradaḥ: the one who offers the piṇḍa (officiant/householder)

• tathā: likewise

• ye samānāḥ: “those who are equal/alike” (opening of a ritual formula/mantra)

• iti: thus/so

• dvābhyām: with two (utterances/mantras)

• antyam: the last (piṇḍa)

• tu: and/indeed

• vibhajet: should divide

• tridhā: into three parts.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Pitṛs (ancestors, implied by piṇḍa-dāna)

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Piṇḍa-dāna
• Ritual procedure
• Pitṛ-dharma
• Manu dialogue

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it is a technical instruction for śrāddha—how many piṇḍas to prepare and how to portion the final offering.

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

It frames pitṛ-kārya (ancestral rites) as a dharmic obligation: the performer must make a proper saṅkalpa, offer the prescribed number of piṇḍas, and follow the correct division/recitation, reflecting disciplined household conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritual significance: it specifies a precise śrāddha step—four piṇḍas are prepared, and the last is divided into three parts while reciting the two “ye samānāḥ…” formulae, indicating standardized liturgical sequencing.