Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — Phala-Saptamī Vow

Devanagari script

प्रतिमासं च सप्तम्याम् एकैकं नाम कीर्तयेत् प्रतिपक्षं फलत्यागम् एतत्कुर्वन्समाचरेत् //

Transliteration

pratimāsaṃ ca saptamyām ekaikaṃ nāma kīrtayet pratipakṣaṃ phalatyāgam etatkurvansamācaret //

Translation

On the seventh day of each month, one should recite aloud a single sacred Name each time; and every fortnight one should renounce the fruits of one’s actions. Practising thus, one should duly observe the vow.

Word by Word

• pratimāsam: every month

• ca: and

• saptamyām: on the seventh lunar day

• eka-ekam: one by one / a single (each time)

• nāma: (sacred) name

• kīrtayet: should recite, praise, or chant

• prati-pakṣam: every fortnight

• phala-tyāgam: abandonment of fruits (of actions), renunciation of reward

• etat: this

• kurvan: doing, practising

• samācaret: should properly perform/observe (as a disciplined practice).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Vrata
• Dharma
• Nāma-kīrtana
• Phala-tyāga
• Ritual calendar

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it teaches a practical discipline of devotion (name-recitation) and renunciation (giving up fruits of action) as part of regular vrata-observance.

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

It prescribes a steady routine compatible with worldly life: periodic nāma-kīrtana and the ethical practice of phala-tyāga, encouraging duty performed without attachment—ideal for householders and rulers alike.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual and calendrical: it specifies observance on saptamī (monthly) and a fortnightly discipline of renouncing rewards, forming part of a regulated vow rather than Vāstu or temple-construction rules.