Shloka 106

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

तद्वच्च दश चाष्टौ च लक्षहोमे तु ऋत्विजः कर्तव्याः शक्तितस्तद्वच् चत्वारो वा विमत्सरः //

Transliteration

tadvacca daśa cāṣṭau ca lakṣahome tu ṛtvijaḥ kartavyāḥ śaktitastadvac catvāro vā vimatsaraḥ //

Translation

Likewise, in a lakh-homa (a rite of one hundred thousand oblations), ten or eight officiating priests (ṛtvijas) should be engaged according to one’s capacity; similarly, even four may be appointed—provided they are free from envy and rivalry.

Word by Word

• tadvac: likewise/in the same manner

• daśa: ten

• ca: and

• aṣṭau: eight

• lakṣa-home: in the lakṣa-homa (100,000 oblations)

• tu: indeed/then

• ṛtvijaḥ: officiating priests

• kartavyāḥ: should be appointed/should be engaged

• śaktitas: according to ability/means

• tadvac: likewise

• catvāraḥ: four

• vā: or

• vimatsaraḥ: free from jealousy, non-envious

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Ṛtvijas
• Lakṣa-homa

Tags

• Dharma
• Homa
• Yajna
• Ritual Procedure
• Priesthood

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya directly; it focuses on ritual discipline—specifically how many priests should officiate a large homa and the ethical requirement that they be non-envious.

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

It guides a patron (king or householder) to appoint ṛtvijas according to resources—ten, eight, or even four—emphasizing character (freedom from jealousy) as essential for a proper sacrifice.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is procedural: a lakṣa-homa ideally employs a larger priestly team, but the text permits fewer officiants if necessary, prioritizing competence and harmony (vimatsaratva) among priests.