Shloka 142

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

वृत्तं वोच्चाटने कुण्डं तथा च वश्यकर्मणि त्रिमेखलं चैकवक्त्रम् अरत्निर्विस्तरेण तु //

Transliteration

vṛttaṃ voccāṭane kuṇḍaṃ tathā ca vaśyakarmaṇi trimekhalaṃ caikavaktram aratnirvistareṇa tu //

Translation

For rites of driving away (uccāṭana), the fire-pit (kuṇḍa) should be circular; likewise for rites of subjugation (vaśyakarma). It should be made with three girdling lines (tri-mekhala), with a single opening/face (eka-vaktra), and with a breadth of one aratni (cubit/forearm).

Word by Word

• वृत्तम् (vṛttam): circular

• वा (vā): and/indeed

• उच्चाटने (uccāṭane): in the rite of expulsion/banishment

• कुण्डम् (kuṇḍam): fire-pit, ritual altar-pit

• तथा (tathā): likewise

• च (ca): and

• वश्यकर्मणि (vaśyakarmaṇi): in the rite of attraction/subjugation

• त्रिमेखलम् (trimekhalam): having three encircling bands/girdles (three boundary lines)

• च (ca): and

• एकवक्त्रम् (ekavaktram): single-mouthed/single-faced (one opening or one principal side)

• अरत्निः (aratniḥ): one aratni measure (cubit/forearm length)

• विस्तरेण (vistareṇa): in width/breadth

• तु (tu): indeed/especially.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Kuṇḍa (fire-pit)
• Uccāṭana
• Vaśyakarma

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Ritual Architecture
• Kunda Design
• Abhicara
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on ritual architecture—specifically the prescribed shape and measurements of a kuṇḍa used in specialized rites.

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

It frames ritual practice as rule-governed: a king or householder who sponsors rites should follow precise śāstric specifications (shape, bands, and measurements) to ensure the rite is performed correctly and responsibly.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It prescribes a circular kuṇḍa with three encircling boundary lines (tri-mekhala), a single principal opening/face (eka-vaktra), and a standard breadth of one aratni—key technical parameters in Matsya Purana ritual design.