Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Kṛṣṇāṣṭamī Vrata: Monthly Śiva-Names

Devanagari script

द्विजानामुदकुम्भांश्च पञ्चरत्नसमन्वितान् गावः कृष्णाः सुवर्णं च वासांसि विविधानि च अशक्तस्तु पुनर्दद्याद् गामेकामपि शक्तितः //

Transliteration

dvijānāmudakumbhāṃśca pañcaratnasamanvitān gāvaḥ kṛṣṇāḥ suvarṇaṃ ca vāsāṃsi vividhāni ca aśaktastu punardadyād gāmekāmapi śaktitaḥ //

Translation

One should give to the twice-born (Brāhmaṇas) water-pots (udakumbha) furnished with the five gems (pañcaratna), along with black cows, gold, and various kinds of garments. But if one is unable, then according to one’s capacity one should at least give even a single cow.

Word by Word

• dvijānām: of the twice-born (Brāhmaṇas)

• udakumbhān: water-pots

• ca: and

• pañcaratna-samanvitān: endowed with the five jewels/gems

• gāvaḥ: cows

• kṛṣṇāḥ: black (dark-colored)

• suvarṇam: gold

• ca: and

• vāsāṃsi: garments/cloths

• vividhāni: various

• ca: and

• aśaktaḥ: one who is unable/without means

• tu: but

• punaḥ: then/again (in that case)

• dadyāt: should give

• gām: a cow

• ekām api: even one

• śaktitaḥ: according to ability/capacity.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, on dharma and dāna)

Entities Mentioned

• Dvija (Brāhmaṇa recipients)
• Pañcaratna (five gems)
• Go-dāna (gift of a cow)

Tags

• Dāna
• Dharma
• Brāhmaṇa-support
• Go-dāna
• Ritual charity

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on dāna-dharma—recommended gifts and the principle of giving according to capacity.

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

It frames charity as a core duty: ideally give valuable ritual items (water-pot with pañcaratna, cows, gold, garments), but if resources are limited, one should still perform at least minimal charity—such as gifting one cow—according to one’s means.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the prescribed dāna items—especially the udakumbha (water-pot) and pañcaratna—used in auspicious gifting; it is not a Vāstu/temple-architecture rule but a ritual charity guideline.