Shloka 40

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

तथा यमस्य चायं गौर् इति होमः प्रकीर्तितः कालस्य ब्रह्म जज्ञानम् इति मन्त्रः प्रशस्यते //

Transliteration

tathā yamasya cāyaṃ gaur iti homaḥ prakīrtitaḥ kālasya brahma jajñānam iti mantraḥ praśasyate //

Translation

Likewise, for Yama the homa-oblation is declared with the formula, “This cow (is for him).” For Kāla (Time/Death), the praised mantra is: “From Time, Brahman was born.”

Word by Word

• तथा: likewise

• यमस्य: of Yama

• च: and

• अयं: this

• गौः: cow (symbolic offering/recipient formula)

• इति: thus/with the words

• होमः: oblation, homa-offering

• प्रकीर्तितः: proclaimed, prescribed

• कालस्य: of Kāla (Time)

• ब्रह्म: Brahman/the Absolute (or Brahmā, context-dependent)

• जज्ञानम्: was born/was generated

• इति: thus

• मन्त्रः: mantra

• प्रशस्यते: is praised/commended.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s teaching dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Yama
• Kāla
• Brahman

Tags

• Homa
• Mantra
• Yama
• Kāla
• Vedic ritual

FAQs

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

It links cosmic origination to Kāla (Time), stating that “Brahman is born from Time,” a doctrinal cue that Time is treated as a profound causal principle behind manifestation—an idea often invoked when discussing cycles of creation and dissolution.

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

It supports the householder’s (and king’s) duty to maintain dharma through properly prescribed homa offerings and correct mantra usage, emphasizing that ritual precision and deity-specific formulas are part of righteous conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it specifies deity-targeted homa formulas: an offering for Yama with “ayaṃ gauḥ,” and a praised mantra for Kāla. Such homas can function as consecratory or protective rites that often accompany major undertakings, including temple or household rites aligned with Vastu-oriented practice.