Shloka 31

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

जुहुयाद्वारुणैर्मन्त्रैर् आज्यं च समिधस्तथा ऋत्विग्भिश्चाथ होतव्यं वारुणैरेव सर्वतः //

Transliteration

juhuyādvāruṇairmantrair ājyaṃ ca samidhastathā ṛtvigbhiścātha hotavyaṃ vāruṇaireva sarvataḥ //

Translation

He should offer oblations with Varuṇa-mantras—clarified butter (ājya) and also the fuel-sticks (samidh); and the officiating priests, in every respect, should perform the offerings using Varuṇa-mantras alone.

Word by Word

• juhuyāt: he should offer into the fire (perform homa)

• vāruṇaiḥ: with (those) of Varuṇa, i.e., Varuṇa-related

• mantraiḥ: mantras

• āj्यम (ājyaṃ): clarified butter (ghee) used for oblations

• ca: and

• samidhaḥ: fuel-sticks/sacred kindling

• tathā: likewise/also

• ṛtvigbhiḥ: by the officiating priests

• ca: and

• atha: then/thereupon

• hotavyam: should be offered (is to be poured as oblation)

• vāruṇaiḥ eva: with Varuṇa-mantras alone

• sarvataḥ: in every way/throughout (the rite).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Varuṇa
• ṛtvij (officiating priests)
• homa (fire-offering)

Tags

• Homa
• Varuna
• Mantra
• Ritual
• Vedic rites

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it prescribes a focused ritual method—using Varuṇa-specific mantras for all offerings—indicating how divine forces are propitiated through precise liturgical discipline.

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

It reflects dharmic duty in maintaining ritual order: a king or householder should sponsor and perform rites correctly, ensuring priests use the proper deity-specific mantras and prescribed oblations (ghee and kindling).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritual significance: the verse mandates a Varuṇa-centered homa where both substances (ājya, samidh) and priestly recitations are consistently aligned to Varuṇa, emphasizing single-deity mantra uniformity as a rule of procedure.