Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — Pratiśukra Rite and the Worship of Śukra

Devanagari script

*पिप्पलाद उवाच अथातः शृणु भूपाल प्रतिशुक्रं प्रशान्तये यात्रारम्भे ऽवसाने च तथा शुक्रोदये त्विह //

Transliteration

*pippalāda uvāca athātaḥ śṛṇu bhūpāla pratiśukraṃ praśāntaye yātrārambhe 'vasāne ca tathā śukrodaye tviha //

Translation

Pippalāda said: Now then, O King, listen to the rite called Pratiśukra, performed for pacification—(to be observed) at the beginning of a journey and at its completion, and likewise here at the rising of Venus (Śukra).

Word by Word

• पिप्पलादः: Pippalāda (the sage)

• उवाच: said

• अथातः: now then/thereafter

• शृणु: listen

• भूपाल: O protector of the earth/king

• प्रतिशुक्रम्: the Pratiśukra rite (a Śukra-related pacificatory observance)

• प्रशान्तये: for pacification/appeasement

• यात्रारम्भे: at the start of a journey

• अवसाने: at the end/completion

• च: and

• तथा: likewise

• शुक्रोदये: at the rising of Śukra (Venus)

• तु: indeed

• इह: here/in this context.

Speaker

• Pippalāda

Entities Mentioned

• Pippalāda
• Bhūpāla (King)
• Śukra (Venus)

Tags

• Śānti
• Muhūrta
• Royal rites
• Journey rituals
• Graha (planetary) observance

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it introduces a pacificatory rite (śānti) tied to Venus (Śukra) and auspicious timing, especially for travel.

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

It addresses a king directly, indicating that rulers (and by extension householders) should begin and conclude major undertakings like journeys with prescribed śānti rites to avert obstacles and ensure welfare.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual and calendrical: Pratiśukra-śānti is recommended at journey commencement, journey completion, and at Śukra’s rising—showing the Matsya Purana’s use of planetary timing for practical rites.