Shloka 2

Matsya Purana — Kamalā-Saptamī Vow: Lotus Rite for Sūrya

Devanagari script

वसन्तामलसप्तम्यां स्नातः सन्गौरसर्षपैः तिलपात्रे च सौवर्णे विधाय कमलं शुभम् //

Transliteration

vasantāmalasaptamyāṃ snātaḥ sangaurasarṣapaiḥ tilapātre ca sauvarṇe vidhāya kamalaṃ śubham //

Translation

On the Vasantāmala-Saptamī, having bathed with fair (white) mustard seeds, one should fashion an auspicious lotus, placing it in a sesame-filled vessel and also in a golden vessel.

Word by Word

• वसन्तामलसप्तम्याम्: on (the day called) Vasantāmala Saptamī

• स्नातः सन्: having bathed/being bathed

• गौरसर्षपैः: with white/pale mustard seeds

• तिलपात्रे: in a sesame-vessel / a vessel containing sesame

• च: and

• सौवर्णे: in (a vessel) of gold / golden

• विधाय: having made, having arranged, having placed

• कमलम्: a lotus (symbol/flower/lotus-figure)

• शुभम्: auspicious, blessed

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Saptamī
• Tilā (sesame)
• Sarṣapa (mustard)
• Kamala (lotus)

Tags

• Vrata
• Ritual Bath
• Dana
• Purificatory Rites
• Festival Tithi

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on ritual purity and merit gained through a Saptamī observance involving bath, sacred substances (mustard, sesame), and the auspicious lotus symbol.

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

It presents a householder-style dharma practice: observing an auspicious lunar day (Saptamī), performing a purificatory bath, and arranging ritual items/vessels—acts that kings and householders alike perform to uphold religious duty and accrue merit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes a specific Saptamī vrata procedure: bathing with (white) mustard seeds and preparing a lotus to be set in sesame and golden vessels—typical Purāṇic markers of auspiciousness, purification, and donation/offerings.