Shloka 42
Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity
उद् उत्तमं वरुणमित्य् अपां मन्त्रः प्रकीर्तितः भूमेः पृथिव्यन्तरिक्षम् इति वेदेषु पठ्यते //
ud uttamaṃ varuṇamity apāṃ mantraḥ prakīrtitaḥ bhūmeḥ pṛthivyantarikṣam iti vedeṣu paṭhyate //
“Ud uttamaṃ varuṇam …”—this is proclaimed as the Vedic mantra of the Waters (Apāṃ). And “of the Earth—earth and the mid-space (antarikṣa, the atmosphere)”—thus it is recited in the Vedas.
FAQs
It does not describe Pralaya directly; it instead anchors Purāṇic teaching in Vedic authority by citing mantras connected with primordial elements—Waters (Ap) and Earth/Atmosphere—often treated as foundational cosmic principles.
It supports the duty of correct ritual performance (śrauta/smārta orientation): a king or householder is expected to sponsor and maintain rites grounded in Vedic recitation, especially those invoking elemental deities like Varuṇa for order, purity, and auspiciousness.
Ritually, it highlights specific mantras for invoking the Waters and delineating cosmic regions (earth and atmosphere), which are commonly relevant to purification, consecration, and site-rites; the verse’s main point is that these formulas are ‘read in the Vedas,’ legitimizing their use in ceremonies.