Shloka 28

Matsya Purana — Nārāyaṇa as Haṃsa in the Cosmic Ocean: Vedic Yajña-Puruṣa and Mārkaṇḍeya’s Vi...

Devanagari script

क्रतुभिर्यजमानाश्च समाप्तवरदक्षिणान् अपश्यद्देवकुक्षिस्थान् याजकाञ्छतशो द्विजान् //

Transliteration

kratubhiryajamānāśca samāptavaradakṣiṇān apaśyaddevakukṣisthān yājakāñchataśo dvijān //

Translation

He beheld hundreds of twice-born priests—ritual officiants—who had been worshipping through sacrifices, whose excellent sacrificial fees had been duly completed, now dwelling within the womb-like abode of the gods.

Word by Word

• क्रतुभिः: by sacrifices/rites

• यजमानाः: sacrificing, performing worship (as yajamānas)

• च: and

• समाप्त: completed, duly concluded

• वर: excellent, choice

• दक्षिणान्: sacrificial fees/gifts to priests

• अपश्यत्: he saw/beheld

• देव: of the gods

• कुक्षि-स्थान्: situated in the belly/womb (inner abode)

• याजकान्: priests/officiants (those who conduct yajña)

• शतशः: by the hundreds, in great numbers

• द्विजान्: twice-born (Brahmin) men.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) describing a visionary/otherworldly sight within the Matsya Purana’s ritual-merit discourse (probable narration context).

Entities Mentioned

• Dvijas (Brahmin priests)
• Yajña (sacrifice)
• Devas (gods)

Tags

• Yajña
• Dakṣiṇā
• Ritual Merit
• Priests
• Afterlife Realms

FAQs

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

This verse does not speak of Pralaya; it focuses on the fruit of properly performed sacrifice—showing priests associated with completed rites and dakṣiṇā attaining a divine realm.

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

It emphasizes a core dharma for householders and patrons (including kings): yajña must be completed with appropriate dakṣiṇā. Supporting qualified priests is presented as spiritually consequential, linked to heavenly or divine-state outcomes.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is central: the verse highlights the necessity of completing sacrifices with “vara-dakṣiṇā” (excellent priestly fees). It underscores correct yajña procedure and the honored status of yajakas (officiants).