Shloka 42

Matsya Purana — Genealogy and Classification of Sacred Fires

Devanagari script

स्थानाभिमानिनो ऽग्नीध्राः प्रागासन्हव्यवाहनाः काम्यनैमित्तिकाद्यास्ते ये ते कर्मस्ववस्थिताः //

Transliteration

sthānābhimānino 'gnīdhrāḥ prāgāsanhavyavāhanāḥ kāmyanaimittikādyāste ye te karmasvavasthitāḥ //

Translation

Formerly, those Agnīdhras—presiding powers identified with their respective stations—were Havyavāhanas, the bearers of oblations. They are the ones established in rites such as kāmya (desire-motivated) and naimittika (occasional) actions, and the like.

Word by Word

• sthāna: station, position, locus

• abhimāninaḥ: presiding-identifiers, those who take identity with (a post)

• agnīdhrāḥ: Agnīdhras (ritual functionaries/presiding beings connected with kindling and ordering the fire)

• prāk: formerly, earlier

• āsan: were

• havyavāhanāḥ: carriers of the oblation, a title of Agni

• kāmya: desire-oriented (optional) rites

• naimittika: occasional/contingent rites

• ādyāḥ: and others of that class

• te: they

• ye: who

• te: those

• karmasu: in ritual actions/rites

• avasthitāḥ: established, stationed, functioning

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the didactic narrative frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Agnīdhras
• Havyavahana (Agni)

Tags

• Vedic ritual
• Agni
• Karmakanda
• Naimittika karma
• Kāmya karma

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing pralaya; it classifies ritual agencies connected with Agni, stating that the Agnīdhras function as Havyavāhanas within specific categories of rites.

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

It supports the householder’s dharma by situating kāmya and naimittika rites within an ordered ritual system, implying that properly performed sacrifices depend on correctly understood fire-functions and officiating roles.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: it identifies Agni’s functional carriers (Havyavāhana) and links them to kāmya and naimittika karmas, helping map which ritual categories are served by which fire-presiding functionaries.