Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — How Śrāddha Offerings Reach the Ancestors

Devanagari script

रतिशक्तिः स्त्रियः कान्ता भोज्यं भोजनशक्तिता दानशक्तिः सविभवा रूपमारोग्यमेव च //

Transliteration

ratiśaktiḥ striyaḥ kāntā bhojyaṃ bhojanaśaktitā dānaśaktiḥ savibhavā rūpamārogyameva ca //

Translation

A beloved wife endowed with the capacity for conjugal delight; food, together with the ability to partake of it and digest it well; the power to give in charity along with sufficient means; and beauty and health as well—these are counted among the desirable endowments.

Word by Word

rati-śaktiḥcapacity for conjugal enjoyment

striyaḥa wife/women (here, the wife as a valued presence)

kāntābeloved, charming

bhojyamfood fit to be eaten

bhojana-śaktitāpower/ability to eat (and assimilate), good digestive capacity

dāna-śaktiḥability/power to give charity

sa-vibhavātogether with wealth/resources, with means

rūpambeauty, pleasing form

ārogyamhealth, freedom from disease

eva caand indeed/also

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a didactic discourse)

FAQs

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

Nothing directly: the verse is didactic and practical, listing auspicious human endowments (śakti and sampad) rather than describing cosmic creation or pralaya.

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

It frames righteous worldly life as supported by capacities: harmonious household companionship, nourishment and bodily strength, and especially dāna supported by real means—pointing to prosperity used ethically, a key expectation for both householders and rulers.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated here; the closest ritual implication is dāna—charitable giving—which commonly accompanies rites and public religious works funded by householders or kings.