Shloka 132

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

शाक्तं शाक्रं च सौम्यं च कौष्माण्डं शान्तिमेव च पाठयेद्दक्षिणद्वारि यजुर्वेदिनमुत्तमम् //

Transliteration

śāktaṃ śākraṃ ca saumyaṃ ca kauṣmāṇḍaṃ śāntimeva ca pāṭhayeddakṣiṇadvāri yajurvedinamuttamam //

Translation

At the southern doorway, one should have an excellent Yajurveda-reciter chant the Śākta (Goddess) formulas, the Śākra (Indra-related), the Saumya (Soma-related), the Kauṣmāṇḍa (protective/warding) formulas, and also the pacificatory Śānti rite.

Word by Word

• śāktam: pertaining to Śakti/the Goddess (Śākta formulas)

• śākram: pertaining to Śakra/Indra

• saumyam: pertaining to Soma/benign (Saumya) deities

• kauṣmāṇḍam: Kauṣmāṇḍa-type protective/avertive formula (warding off evil)

• śāntim: pacification/appeasement rite

• eva ca: and also

• pāṭhayet: should cause to be recited/should have recited

• dakṣiṇa-dvāri: at the southern door/gate

• yajur-vedinam: a Yajurveda-knower/reciter (adhvaryu-type priest)

• uttamam: excellent, most qualified.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Śakti (Devī)
• Śakra (Indra)
• Soma
• Kauṣmāṇḍa
• Yajurveda

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple ritual
• Doorway rites
• Shanti
• Mantra recitation

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it belongs to a ritual-architectural (Vastu/temple) context, prescribing protective and pacificatory recitations at the southern entrance.

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

It frames dharma as correct performance of prescribed rites: a patron (king/householder/temple founder) should appoint a properly qualified Yajurveda-reciter and follow directional ritual safeguards to ensure auspiciousness and protection.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies a directional doorway protocol: at the south gate, particular deity-linked formulas (Śākta, Indra/Śākra, Soma/Saumya, Kauṣmāṇḍa) and a Śānti rite should be recited by a Yajurvedin, indicating the south entrance requires special warding and pacification.