Shloka 2

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

*वैशम्पायन उवाच श्रीकामः शान्तिकामो वा ग्रहयज्ञं समारभेत् वृद्ध्यायुः पुष्टिकामो वा तथैवाभिचरन्पुनः येन ब्रह्मन्विधानेन तन्मे निगदतः शृणु //

Transliteration

*vaiśampāyana uvāca śrīkāmaḥ śāntikāmo vā grahayajñaṃ samārabhet vṛddhyāyuḥ puṣṭikāmo vā tathaivābhicaranpunaḥ yena brahmanvidhānena tanme nigadataḥ śṛṇu //

Translation

Vaiśampāyana said: Whether one seeks fortune or desires peace, one should undertake the planetary sacrifice (graha-yajña). Likewise, one who longs for growth, longevity, and nourishment—or even one engaged in counteracting harmful influences—should perform it again and again. O Brahmin, listen as I explain the prescribed procedure by which it is to be done.

Word by Word

• वैशम्पायनः: Vaiśampāyana

• उवाच: said

• श्रीकामः: one desiring prosperity/fortune

• शान्तिकामः: one desiring pacification/peace

• वा: or

• ग्रहयज्ञम्: graha-yajña, rite/sacrifice for the planets

• समारभेत्: should commence/undertake

• वृद्धिः: increase/prosperous growth

• आयुः: lifespan/longevity

• पुष्टिकामः: one desiring nourishment/strength/health

• वा: or

• तथा एव: likewise

• अभिचरन्: one engaged in hostile rites / one counteracting malign influences (abhicāra-context)

• पुनः: again, repeatedly

• येन: by which

• ब्रह्मन्: O Brahmin

• विधानेन: by the rule/procedure/ordinance

• तत्: that

• मे: from me

• निगदतः: as I am explaining/declaring

• शृणु: listen.

Speaker

• Vaiśampāyana

Entities Mentioned

• Vaiśampāyana
• Grahas (planetary deities)

Tags

• Grahayajña
• Śānti
• Ayus
• Puṣṭi
• Ritual procedure

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it introduces a ritual framework (graha-yajña) aimed at pacification, prosperity, longevity, and protection from harmful influences.

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

It frames graha-yajña as a legitimate dharmic remedy for worldly aims—peace, prosperity, health, and longevity—goals commonly sought by householders and rulers who must maintain personal well-being and social stability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: it authorizes and motivates the performance of planetary rites (graha-yajña) and signals that a specific Brahmanical procedure (vidhi) will be taught for correct execution.