Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — Kṛṣṇāṣṭamī Vrata: Monthly Śiva-Names

Devanagari script

मार्गशीर्षाषाढमासाभ्यां द्वाभ्यां द्वाभ्यामितिक्रमात् एकैकं दन्तपवनं वृक्षेष्वेतेषु भक्षयेत् //

Transliteration

mārgaśīrṣāṣāḍhamāsābhyāṃ dvābhyāṃ dvābhyāmitikramāt ekaikaṃ dantapavanaṃ vṛkṣeṣveteṣu bhakṣayet //

Translation

Beginning with the months Mārgaśīrṣa and Āṣāḍha, proceeding in due order by pairs of months, one should each time chew a single tooth-cleansing twig (dantapavana) from those specified trees.

Word by Word

mārgaśīrṣathe month Mārgaśīrṣa (Agrahāyaṇa)

āṣāḍhathe month Āṣāḍha

māsābhyāmwith/starting from the months

dvābhyām dvābhyāmby pairs, two and two

itikramātin sequence, in regular progression

ekaikamone each time, singly

dantapavanamtooth-cleaning twig/chewing stick (used for oral purification)

vṛkṣeṣufrom/among the trees

eteṣuthese (aforementioned)

bhakṣayetshould chew, should consume (i.e., use by chewing).

Speaker

Sūta (narrating the teaching as received in the Matsya Purana tradition; instruction ultimately framed as dharma guidance)

Entities Mentioned

MārgaśīrṣaĀṣāḍhaDantapavana

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on disciplined ritual hygiene—monthly sequencing for using a dantapavana (chewing twig) as part of purification-oriented observance.

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

It supports the householder’s (and ruler’s) duty to uphold śauca (cleanliness) and regulated conduct: even routine acts like dental cleansing are framed as dharmic discipline performed according to calendrical order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is bodily purification (śauca) via dantapavana, scheduled by months in pairs; it reflects the Purāṇic emphasis that correct timing and prescribed materials are integral to vrata practice.