Shloka 29

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

प्रादेशमात्रा अशिफा अशाखा अपलाशिनीः समिधः कल्पयेत्प्राज्ञः सर्वकर्मसु सर्वदा //

Transliteration

prādeśamātrā aśiphā aśākhā apalāśinīḥ samidhaḥ kalpayetprājñaḥ sarvakarmasu sarvadā //

Translation

A wise person should always prepare the samidh-sticks for every rite so that they are a span in length, without pointed tips, without branches, and without leaves.

Word by Word

• prādeśa-mātrā: of span-length

• aśiphā: without sharp/pointed ends

• aśākhā: without branches

• apalāśinīḥ: leafless

• samidhaḥ: kindling sticks/offering-fuel for the sacred fire

• kalpayet: should prepare/arrange

• prājñaḥ: the wise/learned person

• sarva-karmasu: in all ritual acts/ceremonies

• sarvadā: always

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (traditional dialogue framework of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni
• Samidh

Tags

• Ritual
• Yajna
• Agni
• Samidh
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it focuses on correct ritual materials—specifically the proper form of samidh used in fire-rites.

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

It supports the householder’s (and ruler’s) dharma of maintaining orthodox rites: even small details—like the size and purity of samidh—are to be observed consistently in all ceremonies.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritual significance: samidh should be standardized (span-length) and purified of features like leaves/branches/sharp tips, reflecting procedural correctness in yajña and homa practice.