Shloka 150

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

होमं कुर्युस्ततो विप्रा रक्तमाल्यानुलेपनाः निवीतलोहितोष्णीषा लोहिताम्बरधारिणः //

Transliteration

homaṃ kuryustato viprā raktamālyānulepanāḥ nivītalohitoṣṇīṣā lohitāmbaradhāriṇaḥ //

Translation

Then the brāhmaṇa priests should perform the homa, adorned with red garlands and red unguents, wearing the sacred thread in the reverse manner (nivīta), with red turbans, and dressed in red garments.

Word by Word

• होमम् (homam): fire-offering, homa

• कुर्युः (kuryuḥ): should perform

• ततः (tataḥ): then/thereafter

• विप्राः (viprāḥ): Brahmins, priests

• रक्त-माल्य-अनुलेपनाः (rakta-mālya-anulepanāḥ): having red garlands and red cosmetic/unctuous anointing

• निवीत (nivīta): wearing the yajñopavīta in reverse/alternative position

• लोहित-उष्णीषाः (lohitoṣṇīṣāḥ): wearing red turbans/headdresses

• लोहित-अम्बर-धारिणः (lohitāmbara-dhāriṇaḥ): wearing red clothing

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, via the Purana’s teaching narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Vipras (Brahmin priests)
• Agni (implied through homa)

Tags

• Homa
• Vrata
• Ritual dress
• Dharma
• Yajna

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it prescribes ritual protocol—how priests should be attired and arranged when conducting a homa.

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

It guides the patron (king/householder) on proper Vedic-Puranic procedure: appoint qualified vipras and ensure correct ritual discipline, including prescribed attire and observances, for the efficacy and propriety of the sacrifice.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: specific red attire, red garlands/unguents, and the nivīta mode of wearing the sacred thread are stated as formal requirements for the homa setting and officiants.