Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Procedure for Going to Prayaga and the Greatness of the Ganga

Devanagari script

यस्तु पुत्रांस्तथा बालान् स्नापयेत् पाययेत्तथा यथात्मना तथा सर्वं दानं विप्रेषु दापयेत् //

Transliteration

yastu putrāṃstathā bālān snāpayet pāyayettathā yathātmanā tathā sarvaṃ dānaṃ vipreṣu dāpayet //

Translation

But whoever bathes his sons and young children and likewise provides them drink should, according to his own means, have all charitable gifts bestowed upon the Brāhmaṇas.

Word by Word

• yaḥ tu: but whoever

• putrān: sons

• tathā: likewise

• bālān: children/young ones

• snāpayet: should bathe (cause to bathe)

• pāyayet: should give to drink / cause to drink

• yathā-ātmanā: according to oneself, i.e., according to one’s capacity/means

• tathā: in that manner

• sarvam: all

• dānam: charitable gift/alms

• vipreṣu: among/unto Brāhmaṇas

• dāpayet: should cause to be given / should bestow

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Brāhmaṇas (vipra)
• sons (putra)
• children (bāla)

Tags

• Dharma
• Dāna
• Gṛhastha-dharma
• Brāhmaṇa-support
• Ritual purity

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it teaches gṛhastha-dharma—personal conduct, care of dependents, and proper channels of charity.

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

It frames a householder’s (and by extension a ruler’s) duty as twofold: nurture one’s dependents (sons/children through bathing and drinking—basic welfare and purity) and then give charity in proportion to one’s capacity, directing gifts to Brāhmaṇas as custodians of ritual learning.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual note is the emphasis on snāna (bathing/purification) and regulated dāna (charitable giving), not Vāstu; it supports domestic purity and merit through properly directed gifts.