Shloka 43

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

पशूनां द्रव्यहविषाम् ऋक्सामयजुषां तथा ऋत्विजां दक्षिणायाश्च संयोगो यज्ञ उच्यते //

Transliteration

paśūnāṃ dravyahaviṣām ṛksāmayajuṣāṃ tathā ṛtvijāṃ dakṣiṇāyāśca saṃyogo yajña ucyate //

Translation

The coordinated union of sacrificial animals, material offerings and oblations (havis), the recitations of the Ṛk, Sāman, and Yajus, the officiating priests (ṛtvij), and the priestly fee (dakṣiṇā)—this is what is called a yajña (sacrifice).

Word by Word

• paśūnām: of sacrificial animals

• dravya-haviṣām: of substances and oblations (offerings poured/placed in the rite)

• ṛk-sāma-yajuṣām: of the Ṛg-, Sāma-, and Yajur-vedic mantras/recensions

• tathā: and also

• ṛtvijām: of the officiating priests

• dakṣiṇāyāḥ: of the sacrificial fee/gift to priests

• ca: and

• saṃyogaḥ: conjunction, coordinated combination

• yajñaḥ: sacrifice, sacred rite

• ucyate: is said to be, is called

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Yajña
• Ṛgveda
• Sāmaveda
• Yajurveda
• Ṛtvij (priests)
• Dakṣiṇā

Tags

• Yajña
• Vedic Ritual
• Dharma
• Priesthood
• Dakṣiṇā

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it defines yajña as a structured integration of offerings, Vedic recitations, priests, and dakṣiṇā—showing how cosmic order (dharma) is upheld through correctly performed ritual rather than describing dissolution.

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

It frames yajña as a complete system: a householder or king must provide proper offerings, engage qualified priests, ensure correct Vedic chanting, and give dakṣiṇā—highlighting patronage, ethical giving, and procedural correctness as core dharmic duties.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual-technical: yajña is defined by the coordinated presence of its essential limbs (offerings, mantras, priests, and dakṣiṇā). It implies that ritual success depends on completeness and proper arrangement, a principle often echoed in Matsya Purana’s procedural guidance.