Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

पुण्ये ऽह्नि विप्रकथिते कृत्वा ब्राह्मणवाचनम् ग्रहान्ग्रहाधिदेवांश्च स्थाप्य होमं समारभेत् //

Transliteration

puṇye 'hni viprakathite kṛtvā brāhmaṇavācanam grahāngrahādhidevāṃśca sthāpya homaṃ samārabhet //

Translation

On an auspicious day, as prescribed by the brāhmaṇas, one should arrange for brāhmaṇa recitation; then, having installed (invoked) the planetary deities and their presiding divinities, one should commence the fire-offering (homa).

Word by Word

• puṇye ahni: on an auspicious day

• vipra-kathite: as stated/declared by the brāhmaṇas (learned priests)

• kṛtvā: having done/arranged

• brāhmaṇa-vācanam: brāhmaṇa recitation (Vedic/Purāṇic chanting)

• grahān: the planets (grahas)

• graha-adhi-devān: the presiding deities of the planets

• ca: and

• sthāpya: having स्थापित/installed, ritually established or invoked

• homam: fire-offering, homa

• samārabhet: should begin/undertake

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, in the standard Matsya Purāṇa dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Brāhmaṇas
• Grahas (Navagraha)
• Grahādhidevatās
• Homa (Agni)

Tags

• GrahaShanti
• Homa
• RitualProcedure
• AuspiciousDay
• VedicRecitation

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on correct ritual sequencing—choosing an auspicious day, arranging priestly recitation, invoking the grahas and their presiding deities, and then beginning homa.

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

It outlines a standard dharmic duty: performing sanctioned rites under brāhmaṇa guidance. For householders (and kings commissioning public rites), it emphasizes timing (puṇya ahna), proper officiation (vipra-kathita), and orderly worship before offerings.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it gives the core protocol for graha-related ceremonies: first brāhmaṇa recitation, then स्थापना (ritual installation/invocation) of grahas and their adhidevatās, and only then the homa—useful for Matsya Purana-style Graha-Śānti practice.