Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — Genealogy and Classification of Sacred Fires

Devanagari script

विहरति यथास्थानं पुण्याहे समुपक्रमे अनिर्देश्यानिवार्याणाम् अग्नीनां शृणुत क्रमम् //

Transliteration

viharati yathāsthānaṃ puṇyāhe samupakrame anirdeśyānivāryāṇām agnīnāṃ śṛṇuta kramam //

Translation

At the auspicious beginning of the rite, one should proceed in accordance with the proper ritual places as prescribed. Now hear the correct sequence of those sacred fires which are not to be casually specified by name and are not to be obstructed or restrained.

Word by Word

• viharati: proceeds/moves about (in due course)

• yathā-sthānam: according to the proper place(s)

• puṇya-ahe: on an auspicious day

• samupakrame: at the commencement/beginning

• anirdeśya: not to be pointed out or specified (improperly)

• anivāryāṇām: not to be prevented/warded off

• agnīnām: of the fires (sacred ritual fires)

• śṛṇuta: hear (all of you)

• kramam: the order/sequence

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni
• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Ritual
• Agni
• Punyaha
• Householder Dharma
• Procedure

FAQs

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

This verse is procedural rather than cosmological; it does not discuss pralaya, but emphasizes ordered ritual conduct at an auspicious commencement.

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

It frames dharmic duty as correct ritual performance—beginning on a puṇyāha and following prescribed placements and sequence of sacred fires—relevant especially to householders and rulers sponsoring rites.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it stresses yathāsthāna (correct placement) and krama (sequence) of sacred fires, implying regulated spatial arrangement and disciplined procedure at the start of ceremonies.