Shloka 89

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

तिलोदकाञ्जलिर्देयो जलस्थैस्तीर्थवासिभिः सदर्भहस्तेनैकेन श्राद्धमेवं विशिष्यते //

Transliteration

tilodakāñjalirdeyo jalasthaistīrthavāsibhiḥ sadarbhahastenaikena śrāddhamevaṃ viśiṣyate //

Translation

Those dwelling at a sacred ford (tīrtha), while standing in water, should offer an añjali of water mixed with sesame. When śrāddha is performed in this way—holding darbha grass in one hand—it becomes especially efficacious.

Word by Word

tila-udaka-añjaliḥa joined-hand offering (añjali) of sesame mixed with water

deyaḥshould be given/offered

jala-sthaiḥby those standing in water

tīrtha-vāsibhiḥby those dwelling at/associated with a tīrtha (pilgrimage site)

sa-darbha-hastenawith a hand holding darbha grass

ekēnawith one (hand)

śrāddhamthe ancestral rite/śrāddha

evamthus/in this way

viśiṣyatebecomes distinguished/specially meritorious.

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, as part of dharma/ritual teaching)

Entities Mentioned

TīrthaŚrāddhaDarbhaTilodaka (sesame-water offering)

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on śrāddha procedure at a tīrtha, emphasizing correct ritual materials (sesame-water and darbha) for ancestral offerings.

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

It frames a householder’s dharma: honoring ancestors through śrāddha with prescribed purity rules—offering tilodaka and using darbha—especially when performed at pilgrimage waters.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritual significance: at a tīrtha, the performer should stand in water and offer sesame-water (tilodaka) añjali while holding darbha in one hand, which is said to make the śrāddha particularly meritorious.