Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — Rasakalyāṇinī Vrata: Magha-based Goddess Worship

Devanagari script

क्रमान्माघादि सर्वत्र प्रीयतामिति कीर्तयेत् सर्वत्र पञ्चगव्येन प्राशनं समुदाहृतम् उपवासी भवेन्नित्यम् अशक्ते नक्तमिष्यते //

Transliteration

kramānmāghādi sarvatra prīyatāmiti kīrtayet sarvatra pañcagavyena prāśanaṃ samudāhṛtam upavāsī bhavennityam aśakte naktamiṣyate //

Translation

Beginning in due order with the month of Māgha and continuing likewise throughout the cycle, one should recite, “May (the Lord) be pleased.” In every such observance, the prescribed act is the sipping/partaking of pañcagavya. One should regularly keep fasts; but if one is unable, then taking a single meal at night (naktabhojana) is permitted.

Word by Word

• क्रमात् (kramāt): in due order, sequentially

• माघादि (māghādi): beginning with Māgha and the following months

• सर्वत्र (sarvatra): everywhere/throughout, in every case

• प्रीयताम् (prīyatām): may (He) be pleased

• इति (iti): thus

• कीर्तयेत् (kīrtayet): one should utter/recite/proclaim

• पञ्चगव्येन (pañcagavyena): with pañcagavya (five products of the cow)

• प्राशनम् (prāśanam): sipping/partaking/consuming (as a purificatory intake)

• समुदाहृतम् (samudāhṛtam): declared/prescribed

• उपवासी (upavāsī): one who fasts

• भवेन् (bhaven): should be

• नित्यम् (nityam): regularly/always

• अशक्ते (aśakte): when incapable/unable

• नक्तम् (naktam): at night (single nightly meal)

• इष्यते (iṣyate): is approved/allowed.

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu in vrata and purification discipline (standard Matsya Purana dialogue frame).

Entities Mentioned

• Māgha
• Pañcagavya

Tags

• Vrata
• Dharma
• Pañcagavya
• Upavasa
• Ritual Purification

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on vrata-krama (monthly observance), purification via pañcagavya, and regulated fasting as a dharmic discipline.

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

It outlines a practical rule of conduct: maintain regular fasting and devotional recitation, use pañcagavya as a purificatory intake, and adopt an accessible alternative (one night meal) when strict fasting is not feasible—guidance suited to householders and rulers managing health and duty.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: pañcagavya-prāśana is prescribed as a purification act within observances, and naktabhojana is given as an approved concession when full fasting cannot be maintained.