Shloka 33

Matsya Purana — Pitṛ Worlds

Devanagari script

अजाकर्णे ऽश्वकर्णे वा गोष्ठे वा सलिलान्तिके पितॄणाम् अम्बरं स्थानं दक्षिणा दिक्प्रशस्यते //

Transliteration

ajākarṇe 'śvakarṇe vā goṣṭhe vā salilāntike pitṝṇām ambaraṃ sthānaṃ dakṣiṇā dikpraśasyate //

Translation

Whether at a place called Ajākarṇa or Aśvakarṇa, or in a cowshed, or near water—(for rites to) the Pitṛs, the open space and proper seat should be arranged with the southern direction regarded as especially commendable.

Word by Word

• ajākārṇe: at (the place) Ajākarṇa

• aśvakārṇe: at (the place) Aśvakarṇa

• vā: or

• goṣṭhe: in a cowshed/cattle-pen

• vā: or

• salila-antike: near water/at the waterside

• pitṝṇām: of the ancestors (Pitṛs)

• ambaram: open space/sky-like open area

• sthānam: place, position, seat, arrangement

• dakṣiṇā dik: the southern direction

• praśasyate: is praised/commended.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs
• Dakṣiṇā Diś (South)

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Pitṛs
• Ritual Directions
• Householder Dharma
• Matsya Purana Ritual Rules

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to ritual instruction, specifying auspicious directions and locations for offerings to the Pitṛs.

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

It guides householders (and rulers as exemplary patrons of dharma) in performing ancestor rites correctly—choosing a suitable site and honoring the southern direction traditionally associated with the Pitṛs.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it emphasizes site-selection (near water, cowshed, or named sacred locales) and directional orientation—placing the Pitṛ rite setting toward the south, a key rule in śrāddha procedure.