Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — Kṛṣṇāṣṭamī Vrata: Monthly Śiva-Names

Devanagari script

कृष्णाष्टमीषु सर्वासु शक्तः सम्पूजयेद्द्विजान् गोभूहिरण्यवासोभिः शिवभक्तानुपोषितः //

Transliteration

kṛṣṇāṣṭamīṣu sarvāsu śaktaḥ sampūjayeddvijān gobhūhiraṇyavāsobhiḥ śivabhaktānupoṣitaḥ //

Translation

On every Kṛṣṇāṣṭamī (the eighth lunar day of the dark fortnight), one who is able should duly honor and worship the twice-born (Brahmins), sustaining devoted worshippers of Śiva by gifts of cows, land, gold, and garments.

Word by Word

kṛṣṇa-aṣṭamīṣuon the Kṛṣṇāṣṭamīs (eighth tithis of the dark fortnight)

sarvāsuon all (of them)

śaktaḥbeing capable/if able

sampūjayetshould honor/worship properly

dvijānthe twice-born (Brahmins)

go-bhū-hiraṇya-vāsobhiḥwith cows, land, gold, and clothes/garments

śiva-bhaktāndevotees of Śiva

upoṣitaḥ/anupoṣitaḥ (sense)maintained/supported (by nourishment and patronage)

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a dharma/vrata teaching sequence)

Entities Mentioned

KṛṣṇāṣṭamīDvija (Brahmins)ŚivaŚiva-bhaktasGo (cow)Bhū (land)Hiraṇya (gold)Vāsa (garments)

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on ritual timing (Kṛṣṇāṣṭamī) and dharmic giving—supporting Brahmins and Śiva-devotees through prescribed donations.

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

It frames a practical dharma-duty: on specified lunar days, a capable person (especially a householder or patron-king) should honor learned dvijas and materially sustain Śiva-bhaktas through high-merit gifts (cows, land, gold, clothing).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual (vrata/dāna), not architectural: it prescribes observance on Kṛṣṇāṣṭamī and the sanctioned gift-items used to support religious specialists and Śiva’s devotees.