Shloka 34

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

शाक्रं रौद्रं च सौम्यं च कूष्माण्डं जातवेदसम् सौरसूक्तं जपेन्मन्त्रं दक्षिणेन यजुर्विदः //

Transliteration

śākraṃ raudraṃ ca saumyaṃ ca kūṣmāṇḍaṃ jātavedasam saurasūktaṃ japenmantraṃ dakṣiṇena yajurvidaḥ //

Translation

One who knows the Yajurveda in the southern recension should recite as japa the Śākra, Raudra, and Saumya mantras, as well as the Kūṣmāṇḍa and Jātavedas formulas, and the Saura-sūkta.

Word by Word

śākramrelating to Śakra/Indra (Indra-mantra)

raudramrelating to Rudra (Rudra-mantra)

saumyamrelating to Soma (Soma-mantra)

kūṣmāṇḍamthe Kūṣmāṇḍa formula/hymn (traditionally used for protection/warding off affliction)

jātavedasamthe Jātavedas (Agni) formula/hymn

saura-sūktamthe hymn to Sūrya (Sun)

japetshould recite/intonate as japa

mantramthe mantra(s)

dakṣiṇenain the southern (recension/tradition)

yajuḥ-vidaḥof the knower of the Yajurveda / Yajurvedic adept.

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a prescriptive discourse)

Entities Mentioned

Śakra (Indra)RudraSomaJātavedas (Agni)Sūrya

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it is a ritual prescription listing specific deity-linked mantras and a Saura Sūkta to be recited as japa by a Yajurvedic adept.

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

It frames a practical dharmic duty: disciplined mantra-recitation (japa) according to one’s Vedic tradition, invoking Indra, Rudra, Soma, Agni (Jātavedas), and Sūrya for protection, order, and wellbeing—relevant to household rites and royal welfare-rituals alike.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual (not architectural): it specifies an authorized set of mantras/sūktas—especially the Saura Sūkta—for recitation within the southern Yajurvedic tradition, indicating lineage-specific liturgical practice.