Shloka 153

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

प्रतिरूपं रिपोः कृत्वा क्षुरेण परिकर्तयेत् रिपुरूपस्य शकलान् यथैवाग्नौ विनिष्क्षिपेत् //

Transliteration

pratirūpaṃ ripoḥ kṛtvā kṣureṇa parikartayet ripurūpasya śakalān yathaivāgnau viniṣkṣipet //

Translation

Having fashioned an effigy of the enemy, one should slice it with a razor; and the pieces of that enemy-form should then be cast into the fire.

Word by Word

• प्रतिरूपम्: an effigy, likeness

• रिपोः: of an enemy

• कृत्वा: having made

• क्षुरेण: with a razor

• परिकर्तयेत्: should cut up, slice

• रिपुरूपस्य: of the enemy’s form/effigy

• शकलान्: fragments, pieces

• यथा एव: just so, thereafter

• अग्नौ: into the fire

• विनिष्क्षिपेत्: should throw, should cast

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a procedural discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni

Tags

• Ritual
• Protective rites
• Fire offering
• Abhichara
• Shanti

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic dissolution (Pralaya); it describes a targeted ritual act—symbolically destroying an enemy’s influence by cutting an effigy and consigning it to fire.

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

In the Matsya Purana’s pragmatic ethics, a king (or householder facing threats) may employ prescribed protective rites to counter hostility—framing security and removal of obstruction as part of maintaining order (rakṣā) and stability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual (not architectural): it outlines an effigy-based procedure and the decisive act of offering the cut fragments into Agni, emphasizing fire as the purifier and conveyor of ritual intent.