Shloka 32

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

उदङ्मुखाः प्राङ्मुखा वा कुर्युर्ब्राह्मणपुंगवाः मन्त्रवन्तश्च कर्तव्याश् चरवः प्रतिदैवतम् //

Transliteration

udaṅmukhāḥ prāṅmukhā vā kuryurbrāhmaṇapuṃgavāḥ mantravantaśca kartavyāś caravaḥ pratidaivatam //

Translation

Facing either north or east, the foremost among Brahmins should perform the rite; and for each deity, the cooked offering (caru) is to be prepared together with the proper mantras.

Word by Word

• udak-mukhāḥ: facing north

• prāk-mukhāḥ: facing east

• vā: or

• kuryuḥ: should perform/do

• brāhmaṇa-puṃgavāḥ: eminent/foremost Brahmins

• mantra-vantaḥ: accompanied by mantras, with prescribed mantras

• ca: and

• kartavyāḥ: should be made/are to be done

• caravaḥ (caru): cooked oblation/porridge-offering used in yajña

• prati-daivatam: for each deity, deity-by-deity

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, via the Purāṇic dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Brāhmaṇa
• Caru (cooked offering)
• Mantra

Tags

• Dharma
• Ritual
• Deva-yajña
• Mantra
• Directions (Dik)

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on practical ritual protocol—auspicious orientation (north/east) and mantra-accompanied offerings for deities.

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

It supports the householder’s and ruler’s dharmic duty to maintain correct worship procedures: appoint qualified Brahmins, ensure rites are done with mantras, and offer deity-specific oblations (caru) properly.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes auspicious facing (east or north) and mandates mantra-qualified, deity-specific cooked offerings (caru), reflecting the Purāṇic concern for correct orientation and procedure in worship.