Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

ततस्त्वनेकवर्णाः स्युश् चरवः प्रतिदैवतम् आचार्यः प्रक्षिपेद्भूमाव् अनुमन्त्र्य विचक्षणः //

Transliteration

tatastvanekavarṇāḥ syuś caravaḥ pratidaivatam ācāryaḥ prakṣipedbhūmāv anumantrya vicakṣaṇaḥ //

Translation

Then, for each deity, there should be offering-vessels (carus) of various colors. The discerning officiant (ācārya), having consecrated them with the proper mantras, should place them upon the ground.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then/thereafter

• tu: indeed/and

• aneka-varṇāḥ: of many colors/variegated

• syuḥ: should be/are to be

• caravaḥ: ritual cooked-offerings/oblatory portions (caru) or their prepared allotments

• prati-daivatam: for each deity, deity-by-deity

• ācāryaḥ: the officiating teacher/priest

• prakṣipet: should place/put down/cast (ritually deposit)

• bhūmau: on the ground/on the earth

• anumantrya: having invoked/blessed with mantras

• vicakṣaṇaḥ: discerning/learned/skilled.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, via the Purāṇic narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Ācārya
• Devatā (various deities)

Tags

• Ritual
• Mantra
• Offerings
• Ācāra
• Deity-worship

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on correct ritual protocol—preparing deity-specific offerings and consecrating them with mantras before placement.

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

It reflects the duty to perform worship with precision: offerings should be arranged deity-by-deity under the guidance of a competent ācārya, emphasizing disciplined household/royal ritual conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes mantra-consecration (anumantraṇa) and the proper depositing/placement of offerings on the earth—highlighting procedural purity and correct sequencing in worship.