Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

पूर्वेण भार्गवं विद्यात् सोमं दक्षिणपूर्वके पश्चिमेन शनिं विद्याद् राहुं पश्चिमदक्षिणे पश्चिमोत्तरतः केतुं स्थापयेच्छुक्लतण्डुलैः //

Transliteration

pūrveṇa bhārgavaṃ vidyāt somaṃ dakṣiṇapūrvake paścimena śaniṃ vidyād rāhuṃ paścimadakṣiṇe paścimottarataḥ ketuṃ sthāpayecchuklataṇḍulaiḥ //

Translation

One should recognize Bhārgava (Śukra, Venus) in the east, Soma (the Moon) in the south-east, and Śani (Saturn) in the west; Rāhu is to be known in the south-west. In the north-west one should establish Ketu, using white grains of rice.

Word by Word

• पूर्वेण: in the eastern direction

• भार्गवम्: Bhārgava/Venus (Śukra)

• विद्यात्: should know/assign

• सोमम्: Soma/the Moon

• दक्षिणपूर्वके: in the south-east

• पश्चिमेन: in the west

• शनिम्: Śani/Saturn

• राहुम्: Rāhu (lunar node)

• पश्चिमदक्षिणे: in the south-west

• पश्चिमोत्तरतः: toward the north-west (western-northern quarter)

• केतुम्: Ketu (lunar node)

• स्थापयेत्: should place/establish

• शुक्लतण्डुलैः: with white rice grains

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhārgava (Śukra/Venus)
• Soma (Moon)
• Śani (Saturn)
• Rāhu
• Ketu

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Graha-sthapana
• Directional deities
• Ritual layout
• Matsya Purana architecture

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it gives a Vastu/ritual rule for assigning planetary forces (grahas) to specific directions within a sacred layout.

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

For a king or householder commissioning a temple, altar, or consecrated space, correct directional placement of grahas is presented as part of proper ritual order—supporting auspiciousness, protection, and governance aligned with dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies direction-based installation/recognition of Venus, Moon, Saturn, Rāhu, and Ketu, and notes a ritual material—white rice grains—used to establish Ketu in the north-west sector of the layout.