Shloka 134

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

शान्तिसूक्तं च सौरं च तथा शाकुनकं शुभम् पौष्टिकं च महाराज्यम् उत्तरेणाप्यथर्ववित् //

Transliteration

śāntisūktaṃ ca sauraṃ ca tathā śākunakaṃ śubham pauṣṭikaṃ ca mahārājyam uttareṇāpyatharvavit //

Translation

He should also be versed in the Śānti-sūkta (Peace Hymn), the Saura (solar) rite, and the auspicious Śākunaka lore of omens; and likewise in the Pauṣṭika rite (for increase and prosperity) for great sovereignty—together with the “Uttara” portion as well—being a knower of Atharvanic (Atharva-Vedic) practice.

Word by Word

• śānti-sūktam: a hymn/recitation for pacification and averting calamities

• ca: and

• sauram: pertaining to Sūrya, a solar rite/hymn

• ca: and

• tathā: likewise

• śākunakam: (śakuna) omen-lore/augury, interpretation of portents

• śubham: auspicious, beneficial

• pauṣṭikam: prosperity-promoting rite (for nourishment, increase, well-being)

• ca: and

• mahā-rājyam: great kingship/sovereignty, imperial rule

• uttareṇa api: and also with the ‘Uttara’ (later/upper/additional) portion

• atharva-vit: one who knows the Atharva Veda, an expert in Atharvanic rites.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Atharva Veda
• Surya (Solar rite)

Tags

• Ritual
• Śānti
• Pauṣṭika
• Omens
• Rajadharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not directly describe Pralaya; it emphasizes Atharvanic peace and prosperity rites used to avert calamities—practices that function as ritual safeguards during times of danger and instability.

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

It frames a ruler’s duty as maintaining public welfare through learned ritual expertise: pacification hymns (śānti), prosperity rites (pauṣṭika), and attention to omens (śākunaka) to protect and stabilize the realm.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights śānti and pauṣṭika procedures—often prerequisites for major undertakings like consecrations and state rituals; such pacificatory rites are also commonly paired with Vastu-related ceremonies to remove obstacles and ensure auspicious outcomes.