Shloka 26

Matsya Purana — Ekoddiṣṭa Śrāddha

Devanagari script

यावदब्दं तु यो दद्याद् उदकुम्भं विमत्सरः प्रेतायान्नसमायुक्तं सो ऽश्वमेधफलं लभेत् //

Transliteration

yāvadabdaṃ tu yo dadyād udakumbhaṃ vimatsaraḥ pretāyānnasamāyuktaṃ so 'śvamedhaphalaṃ labhet //

Translation

Whoever, free from envy, gives a water-pot (udakumbha) for the span of a year, together with food meant for the preta, attains the merit that is declared to be the fruit of the Aśvamedha sacrifice.

Word by Word

• yāvat-abdam: for as long as a year

• tu: indeed/but

• yaḥ: whoever

• dadyāt: should give/gives

• udakumbham: a water-pot (water vessel)

• vimatsaraḥ: without envy, free from jealousy

• pretāya: for the preta (departed spirit)

• anna-samāyuktam: accompanied by food, joined with food-offering

• saḥ: he

• aśvamedha-phalam: the fruit/merit of the Aśvamedha

• labhet: obtains/attains

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Preta
• Aśvamedha

Tags

• Dharma
• Śrāddha
• Dāna
• Preta-rites
• Punya

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it teaches dharma through funerary charity, stating that sustained water-pot donation with food for a departed spirit yields very high merit.

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

It frames a practical householder/royal duty: performing compassionate, envy-free dāna for the departed (preta), emphasizing ongoing support (for a year) and proper accompaniment (food), which the text equates in merit to major royal sacrifices.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual point is udakumbha-dāna (donation of a water vessel) combined with anna for the preta—highlighting correct śrāddha-style charity rather than temple architecture or Vāstu.