Shloka 80

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

ग्रहा गावो नरेन्द्राश्च ब्राह्मणाश्च विशेषतः पूजिताः पूजयन्त्येते निर्दहन्त्यवमानिताः //

Transliteration

grahā gāvo narendrāśca brāhmaṇāśca viśeṣataḥ pūjitāḥ pūjayantyete nirdahantyavamānitāḥ //

Translation

The planets, cows, kings—and especially Brahmins—when honored, bestow honor in return; but when insulted, they burn the offender with ruinous consequences.

Word by Word

• ग्रहाः (grahāḥ): the planets/astral powers

• गावः (gāvaḥ): cows

• नरेन्द्राः (narendrāḥ): kings, rulers

• च (ca): and

• ब्राह्मणाः (brāhmaṇāḥ): Brahmins/priestly sages

• विशेषतः (viśeṣataḥ): especially, in particular

• पूजिताः (pūjitāḥ): when worshipped/honored

• पूजयन्ति (pūjayanti): they honor, they favor

• एते (ete): these

• निर्दहन्ति (nirdahanti): they burn, they scorch (i.e., cause downfall)

• अवमानिताः (avamānitāḥ): when disrespected/insulted.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Grahāḥ (planets)
• Gāvaḥ (cows)
• Narendra (king)
• Brāhmaṇa (Brahmin)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Respect
• Brahmin-dharma
• Gau-seva
• Grahā-śānti

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic creation or Pralaya; it teaches moral causality in social and ritual life—honor brings support, while contempt invites destructive repercussions.

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

It frames a core Rajadharma principle: a ruler (and likewise a householder) must honor Brahmins, protect cows, respect legitimate authority, and maintain auspicious relations with grahas through proper conduct and rites—otherwise social, political, and personal decline follows.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it supports graha-śānti and dharmic worship: honoring grahas, cows, and Brahmins is treated as protective merit; disrespect is said to ‘burn’ the offender—an ethical basis for propitiatory rites and respectful temple/ritual protocol.