Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

सर्वलक्षणसम्पूर्णो मन्त्रविद्विजितेन्द्रियः कुलशीलसमायुक्तः पुरोधाः स्याद्द्विजोत्तमः //

Transliteration

sarvalakṣaṇasampūrṇo mantravidvijitendriyaḥ kulaśīlasamāyuktaḥ purodhāḥ syāddvijottamaḥ //

Translation

A royal priest (purohita) should be a foremost Brahmin—complete in all proper qualifications, a knower of mantras, self-controlled in his senses, and endowed with noble lineage and exemplary conduct.

Word by Word

• sarva-lakṣaṇa-sampūrṇaḥ: complete with all (required) marks/qualifications

• mantra-vit: knower of mantras (Vedic formulas)

• vijita-indriyaḥ: one who has conquered the senses/self-controlled

• kula: lineage/family

• śīla: character/conduct

• samāyuktaḥ: endowed with/possessed of

• purodhāḥ (purohitaḥ): royal priest/household priest placed in front (as guide)

• syāt: should be/is to be

• dvija-uttamaḥ: best among the twice-born (foremost Brahmin).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Purohita
• Dvija (Brahmin)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Purohita
• Mantra
• Self-control
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on rajadharma—specifically, the qualifications required for a king’s purohita.

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

It guides a king’s duty to appoint a competent spiritual adviser: a mantra-knowing, self-restrained, and well-conducted Brahmin, ensuring rituals, counsel, and governance remain aligned with dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is explicit: the purohita must be mantra-vit and self-controlled, implying competence to perform and supervise Vedic rites (yajña, consecrations, royal rituals) correctly and ethically.