Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

त्र्यरत्निमात्रो यूपः स्यात् क्षारवृक्षविनिर्मितः यजमानप्रमाणो वा संस्थाप्यो भूतिमिच्छता //

Transliteration

tryaratnimātro yūpaḥ syāt kṣāravṛkṣavinirmitaḥ yajamānapramāṇo vā saṃsthāpyo bhūtimicchatā //

Translation

The sacrificial post (yūpa) should be of the measure of three aratnis (cubits) and made from a kṣāra-bearing tree; or else it may be set up in proportion to the sacrificer’s own measure—by one who seeks prosperity and auspicious success.

Word by Word

• त्रि (tri): three

• अरत्नि (aratni): cubit/forearm measure

• मात्रः (mātraḥ): measured/of the measure

• यूपः (yūpaḥ): sacrificial post

• स्यात् (syāt): should be/is to be

• क्षारवृक्ष (kṣāravṛkṣa): an alkali/latex-bearing tree (a ritually suitable species)

• विनिर्मितः (vinirmitaḥ): constructed/made

• यजमान (yajamāna): sacrificer/patron of the rite

• प्रमाणः (pramāṇaḥ): measure/standard

• वा (vā): or

• संस्थाप्यः (saṃsthāpyaḥ): to be established/erected

• भूतिम् (bhūtim): prosperity, well-being, increase

• इच्छता (icchatā): by one desiring.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a ritual-technical discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Yūpa
• Yajamāna

Tags

• Yajna
• Ritual-standards
• Dharma
• Measurements
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it gives a practical yajña rule—how to size and select the wood for the yūpa so the rite yields auspicious results.

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

It frames ritual performance as a dharmic duty: a patron (including a householder or king) should follow prescribed standards of measurement and materials when sponsoring sacrifices for prosperity and welfare.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies the yūpa’s canonical height (three cubits) or proportional sizing to the yajamāna, and mandates a ritually appropriate wood—showing the importance of sacred measurement (pramāṇa) and material selection in yajña practice.