Shloka 33

Matsya Purana — Genealogy and Classification of Sacred Fires

Devanagari script

मथितो यस्त्वरण्यां तु सो ऽग्निराप समिन्धनम् आयुर् नाम्ना तु भगवान् पशौ यस्तु प्रणीयते //

Transliteration

mathito yastvaraṇyāṃ tu so 'gnirāpa samindhanam āyur nāmnā tu bhagavān paśau yastu praṇīyate //

Translation

The fire that is churned forth in the forest is Agni called Āpa, the kindler of the fuel. And the blessed one who is led forth in the Paśu-sacrifice is (Agni) named Āyus.

Word by Word

• mathitaḥ: churned/produced by friction

• yaḥ: which/who

• tu: indeed

• araṇyām: in the forest/wilderness

• saḥ: that/he

• agniḥ: fire/Agni

• āpa: Āpa (a specific name/form of Agni)

• samindhanam: kindling, making blaze, the act of lighting

• āyuḥ: Āyus (a specific name/form of Agni)

• nāmnā: by name

• tu: indeed

• bhagavān: the venerable/divine one

• paśau: in the Paśu rite/animal sacrifice

• yaḥ: who/which

• tu: indeed

• praṇīyate: is led forward, brought forth (ritually).

Speaker

• Suta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s teaching on Agni’s ritual forms; traditionally within the Matsya–Manu dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni
• Āpa (name of Agni)
• Āyus (name of Agni)
• Paśu-yajña (animal sacrifice rite)

Tags

• Agni
• Yajna
• RitualFire
• VedicRites
• PaśuYajña

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it classifies Agni by functional names in specific ritual contexts, showing how cosmic divinity is accessed through precise sacrificial procedure rather than through flood/dissolution narrative.

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

It supports dharma through correct ritual performance: a householder (and a king sponsoring rites) must recognize the proper form of Agni for the rite—fire produced by churning in the wilderness and fire formally ‘led forth’ for a Paśu-sacrifice—so that offerings are made with accurate ritual knowledge.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights distinct consecrated fires (especially one produced by friction and one installed/led for a Paśu rite). Architecturally (by implication), it underlines the need for a designated, properly prepared fire-space/altar zone (Agni-sthāna) where such fires are kindled and maintained according to rule.