Shloka 7

Matsya Purana — Genealogy and Classification of Sacred Fires

Devanagari script

प्रवक्ष्ये नामतस्तान्वै प्रविभागेन तान्पृथक् पावनो लौकिको ह्य् अग्निः प्रथमो ब्रह्मणश्च यः //

Transliteration

pravakṣye nāmatastānvai pravibhāgena tānpṛthak pāvano laukiko hy agniḥ prathamo brahmaṇaśca yaḥ //

Translation

Now I shall declare their names and set them forth separately according to their divisions. The first is the purifying, worldly (domestic) fire—indeed, the fire that belongs to the Brāhmaṇa.

Word by Word

• प्रवक्ष्ये: I shall explain

• नामतस्: by name

• तान्: those (fires)

• वै: indeed

• प्रविभागेन: by classification/division

• तान् पृथक्: them separately

• पावनः: purifying

• लौकिकः: worldly/domestic (used in ordinary rites)

• हि: indeed

• अग्निः: fire

• प्रथमः: the first

• ब्रह्मणः: of the Brāhmaṇa (priestly class / sacred learning)

• च: and

• यः: which/that

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni
• Brahmana

Tags

• Agni
• Ritual
• Dharma
• Householder
• Purification

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it introduces a ritual taxonomy of fires, beginning with the purifying domestic fire used in worldly rites.

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

It frames dharma in practical terms: the householder’s ‘laukika agni’ is foundational for daily rites and purification, and kings support such Vedic observances through patronage and protection of ritual order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it begins a classified listing of sacred fires; architecturally (by implication), it supports correct establishment/maintenance of the domestic fire space—central to household ritual layout and later Vastu-aligned placements.